NHIDCL, a government of India company mandated to fast-track road projects in tough terrain, including border areas, is set to be awarded projects worth Rs 1.3 lakh crore over the next five years. The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) will also be laying out 1,500 km of highways in various states under Modi government’s ambitious Bharat Mala project.
“NHIDCL has set a target to award projects worth Rs 1,30,000 crore, including 10,000 km of highways and 2,000 bridges,” NHIDCL Director (finance) Sanjay Jaju said.
Jaju said the company at present is handling 74 projects of about Rs 35,000 crore. “In addition, we will be handling another 1,500 km for the Bharat Mala project in various states.” The Bharat Mala project envisages construction of 5,000 km of road network all along the borders and coastal areas at a cost of Rs 55,000 crore.
NHIDCL, is a fully-owned company of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, awarded 18 projects last fiscal for building 600 km of roads at an expenditure of about Rs 8,500 crore in Tripura, Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh. Last month, foundation stones were laid by the company for 10 projects for building 281 kilometers of highways entailing an expenditure of Rs 5,320 crore.