Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has proposed a significant policy shift, stating that no new national highway project should be approved without 100% land acquisition completed in advance.
The proposal aims to address one of the most persistent challenges in highway development delays caused by incomplete land acquisition and pending clearances. Speaking at an industry event, the minister highlighted that land acquisition, along with forest and environmental approvals, remains a major bottleneck in timely project execution.
Currently, highway projects are allowed to begin once 90% of the required land is acquired, a norm that was introduced to accelerate project rollouts. However, Gadkari indicated that this threshold may no longer be sufficient, as even the remaining 10% often leads to prolonged delays, cost overruns, and disputes during construction.
He stated that the government should now move toward a stricter approach, emphasizing:
“Without acquiring 100% of the land, we should not give an appointed date for new highway projects.”
The “appointed date” refers to the formal start of a highway project, marking the point when construction activities can officially begin after necessary clearances and land readiness. Ensuring full land availability before this stage is expected to reduce execution risks and improve project timelines.
In addition to land acquisition concerns, Gadkari also pointed out issues related to poor quality of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), stating that consultants responsible for preparing DPRs often contribute to inefficiencies in project execution. He suggested that experienced professionals, including retired officials from agencies like NHAI, should be encouraged to participate in DPR preparation to improve quality and accuracy.
The minister also noted that the highways sector holds significant economic potential, mentioning that road assets worth around ₹15 lakh crore could be monetised, further supporting infrastructure expansion and investment in the sector.
Overall, the proposed shift toward complete land acquisition before project approval reflects the government’s intent to streamline highway development, minimise delays, and enhance execution efficiency across India’s rapidly expanding road network.
