High land acquisition costs have forced the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to tweak its strategy for project implementation. The NHAI has decided to consider only those projects that require minimal land acquisition as it finalises highway contracts worth about Rs 3 trillion under the Bharatmala scheme.
Reprioritising its execution strategy, the Authority will change the weight it gives to different factors while planning projects. Earlier, freight movement and revenue from projects were given precedence over land acquisition. This essentially means existing projects that need expansion may get priority over new ones.
“This will help in getting a better fix on viability. Projects that have financial viability will be considered,” a senior NHAI official said, adding these projects were part of the broader Bharatmala scheme.
