Is Rs 4,583.64 crore approved to enhance road connectivity via NH-56 in Gujarat?
Synopsis
The Indian government has taken a significant step to upgrade road connectivity in Gujarat by approving a Rs 4,583.64 crore project for National Highway-56. This upgrade aims to enhance infrastructure, economic growth, and access to key tourist attractions in the region.
Key Takeaways
Investment of Rs 4,583.64 crore for NH-56 upgrade.
Construction of 107.67 km of road to improve connectivity.
Significant 40% reduction in travel time .
Enhanced access to Statue of Unity and economic growth.
Creation of over 19 lakh man-days of employment.
New Delhi, Feb 14 (NationPress) To enhance road connectivity in Gujarat, the government has recently sanctioned the upgrade of two segments of National Highway-56 to a 4-lane configuration, with an investment of Rs 4,583.64 crore.
This initiative includes the construction of 4-lane stretches of Dhamasiya–Bitada/Movi (47.46 km) and Nasarpore–Malotha (60.21 km), culminating in a total project length of 107.67 kms, as announced by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The highway is part of NH-56, which begins at Nimbahera in Rajasthan and passes through Dahod District in Gujarat, Alirajpur District in Madhya Pradesh, before re-entering Gujarat near Chhota Udepur District, where it connects with NH-48 near Vapi.
According to CCEA, the approved projects will traverse through the Aspirational District of Narmada, improving accessibility to tribal regions in Dahod, Chhota Udepur, Tapi, and Bharuch, thus fostering economic development and growth in these areas.
This upgrade will also facilitate better access to the Statue of Unity, a major national tourist attraction located approximately 11 km from NH-56.
The project is tailored for a speed of 100 km/hour, allowing for an average speed of 70 km/hour, which will reduce travel time from 2.5 hours to just 1.5 hours—representing a 40% reduction.
With a total length of 107.67 km, the project is expected to create around 19.38 lakh man-days of direct employment and 22.82 lakh man-days of indirect employment.
Furthermore, the initiative will spur additional job opportunities due to heightened economic activities along the proposed corridor.
As stated by officials, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, through the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), has initiated the upgrade of the congested Jambugam (Bodeli)-Malotha section of NH-56 (175 km) into a four-lane format under four distinct packages.
Following the completion of these project packages, a continuous 4-lane connection from Bodeli to Malotha will be established, thereby alleviating congestion on NH-56 and enhancing connectivity to NH-53, NH-48, and the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, according to CCEA.
Point of View
We recognize that this significant investment in Gujarat's infrastructure marks a promising step towards enhancing connectivity and economic vitality in the region. By prioritizing road upgrades, the government is not only addressing congestion but also fostering growth in tribal and economically challenged areas. This initiative is a reflection of a broader commitment to improving national infrastructure and supporting regional development.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total investment for the NH-56 upgrade?
The total investment for the upgrade of National Highway-56 is Rs 4,583.64 crore.
How long is the project length of the NH-56 upgrade?
The total project length for the NH-56 upgrade is 107.67 km.
Which areas will benefit from this road upgrade?
The upgrade will improve connectivity to tribal areas in Dahod, Chhota Udepur, Tapi, and Bharuch.
What is the expected reduction in travel time?
The project is expected to reduce travel time by 40%, from 2.5 hours to 1.5 hours.
What employment opportunities will the project create?
The project will generate approximately 19.38 lakh man-days of direct employment and 22.82 lakh man-days of indirect employment.
