Cabinet Approves ₹4,583.64 Crore NH-56 Four-Laning Project in Gujarat

New Delhi,  February 14, 2026: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the upgradation of two key sections of National Highway 56 in Gujarat to four-lane standards at a total capital cost of ₹4,583.64 crore.

The approved project includes:

• Dhamasiya–Bitada/Movi Section – 47.46 km

• Nasarpore–Malotha Section – 60.21 km

The total project length is 107.67 km, and it will be executed under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM).

Strategic Importance of NH-56

NH-56 originates at Nimbahera in Rajasthan, passes through Dahod (Gujarat), Alirajpur (Madhya Pradesh), re-enters Gujarat near Chhota Udepur, and terminates at its junction with National Highway 48 near Vapi.

The approved sections pass through the Aspirational District of Narmada and are expected to significantly improve connectivity in tribal-dominated regions of:

• Dahod

• Chhota Udepur

• Tapi

• Bharuch

The project will also enhance access to the Statue of Unity, located approximately 11 km from NH-56, strengthening tourism and regional development.

Travel Time and Speed Improvements

The upgraded highway is designed for a 100 km/h speed, enabling an average operational speed of around 70 km/h.

This will reduce travel time by approximately 40%, cutting journey duration from 2.5 hours to 1.5 hours.

Employment and Economic Impact

The project is expected to generate:

• 19.38 lakh man-days of direct employment

• 22.82 lakh man-days of indirect employment

Additionally, improved infrastructure will stimulate further economic activity, creating new employment opportunities along the corridor.

Connectivity Boost Under NHAI

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, through the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), is upgrading the congested Jambugam (Bodeli)–Malotha stretch (175 km) of NH-56 in four packages.

Key progress updates:

• Jambugam (Bodeli)–Dhamasiya and Movi–Nasarpore stretches were awarded earlier.

• Construction began in November 2025.

• Target completion period: 2 years.

Upon completion, the project will establish continuous four-lane connectivity from Bodeli to Malotha, easing congestion and improving linkage to:

• National Highway 53

• NH-48

• Delhi–Mumbai Expressway (NE-4)

Regional Development Catalyst

The project aligns with the government’s broader infrastructure push aimed at improving connectivity in underserved and tribal regions, while simultaneously enhancing logistics efficiency, tourism access, and industrial growth in western India.