Gadkari pushes 100 percent land acquisition for highways

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has called for stricter norms in highway project approvals, stating that no new national highway project should begin without complete land acquisition. His remarks highlight ongoing challenges in infrastructure development and the need for structural reforms in project execution.

Nitin Gadkari highway policy targets project delays

Nitin Gadkari emphasised that land acquisition remains one of the biggest bottlenecks in highway construction. Speaking at the 17th CIDC Vishwakarma Awards and Exhibitions on Viksit Bharat 2047, he suggested revising existing norms to ensure smoother project execution.

Push for 100 percent land acquisition before approval

Currently, highway projects require at least 90 percent land acquisition before work begins. However, Gadkari proposed that approvals should only be granted once 100 percent of the land is secured.

He noted that without full land availability, projects often face delays due to legal and logistical hurdles. The appointed date, which marks the official start of construction, should only be declared after all land and clearances are in place.

Clearances remain key challenge

Apart from land acquisition, forest and environmental clearances continue to slow down infrastructure development. These issues often lead to cost overruns and delays in project timelines.

Highway asset monetisation gains focus under Gadkari

The Nitin Gadkari highway policy also highlighted the economic potential of existing infrastructure. He stated that the ministry currently holds highway assets worth Rs 15 lakh crore, which can be monetised to generate funds.

Unlocking value from existing infrastructure

Asset monetisation is seen as a key strategy to finance new projects without placing additional burden on public finances. By leveraging existing highway assets, the government aims to support future infrastructure expansion.

DPR quality concerns impact highway construction

Gadkari raised concerns about the quality of detailed project reports, stating that poor DPR preparation is a major reason behind substandard highways.

Consultants under scrutiny for poor planning

According to the minister, consultants responsible for DPRs often fail to deliver accurate and efficient project plans. This leads to execution issues and compromises the quality of road infrastructure.

Call for experienced professionals in DPR preparation

He suggested that retired officials from the National Highways Authority of India should establish firms to prepare DPRs, bringing their expertise into the process and improving overall project quality.