JSA Newsletter | Highways and Logistics | July to September 2026 Edition

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This edition of the JSA Highways and Logistics Newsletter focuses on key developments undertaken in the Indian roadways and logistics sector between July – September 2026.

Amendments made to the model concession agreement for hybrid annuity mode projects

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (“MoRTH“), vide circular dated September 18, 2026, has issued a revised Model Concession Agreement (“MCA”) for Hybrid Annuity Mode (“HAM”) projects. Some of the key amendments which are viewed as concessionaire friendly have been summarised below:

• the initial 40% of the bid project cost which is payable by National Highways Authority of India (“NHAI”) to the concessionaire is now payable over 10 (ten) equal instalments of 4% of the bid project cost as opposed to the previous position of 5 (five) equal instalments of 8% each;
• the adjustment of the bid project cost is now based on a 70:30 wholesale price index (WPI) – consumer price index (CPI) weighted formula, measured from the indices on the bid due date;
• while the mobilisation advance provision has been retained, the amount is now 10% of the total project cost as opposed to 10% of the bid project cost. The recovery of such mobilisation advance by the authority will be in 10 (ten) equal instalments along with the interest as opposed to the earlier iteration where the recovery was in 10 (ten) instalments with interest being charged only on the 9^th and 10^th instalment;
• in relation to the mobilisation advance provision, a clause has been introduced specifying that in case the concessionaire registers and procures within 90 (ninety) days from the appointed date new construction machinery/equipment powered by alternate fuel (electric/hydrogen/biofuel) and automated intelligent construction machinery, then the interest on such mobilisation advance will be reduced by 50% in proportion of the mobilisation advance utilised for such purpose;
• the revised MCA states that if financial close and the concessionaire’s conditions precedent are completed within 105 (one hundred and five) days from the date of execution of the concession agreement, performance security will be reduced by 0.50% of the bid project cost;
• the revised MCA states that NHAI must grant Right of Way (“RoW”) for at least 90% of the construction zone as on the appointed date, enough to achieve Commercial Operation Date (“COD”) by the concessionaire as compared to the previous iteration of the MCA where only 80% of the RoW was being granted as on the appointed date;
• in relation to liquidated damages for delays in completion of construction, the rate of liquidated damages has been revised to 0.1% of performance security per day up to 180 (one hundred and eighty) days after the scheduled completion date, then 0.2%, as opposed to a flat rate of 0.2% in the previous iteration; and
• the conditions precedent to be satisfied by NHAI has been streamlined wherein the revised MCA expressly states that the project authority as a condition precedent has to procure approval of the railway and/or inland waterways and/or other specified authorities in the form of a general arrangement drawing that would enable the concessionaire to construct road over bridges/under bridges at level crossings/bridges across waterways and river on the project highway.

Further, changes have been made in the termination payment provisions (for instance, the termination payment for authority default prior to COD has been revised to debt due plus 120% of adjusted equity, as opposed to 150% of adjusted equity, while for concessionaire default after COD, termination payment will be 90% of debt due less insurance cover as opposed to 65% of unpaid annuity payments) and provisions pertaining to monitoring of construction as well as Operation and Maintenance (“O&M”).

Source: The amended MCA issued by MoRTH may be accessed here.

Modification in eligibility and qualification requirements for HAM projects

NHAI, vide policy circular dated August 9, 2026, has directed compliance with the MoRTH circular dated April 29, 2026, which modified the eligibility and qualification requirements for HAM projects. The modifications follow MoRTH’s earlier circulars dated December 22, 2025, which revised qualification criteria for Engineering, Procurement and Construction (“EPC”) projects to address concerns arising from catastrophic failures due to construction defects, and circular dated March 2, 2026, which defined ‘catastrophic failure’ and identified the types of incidents attracting such classification.

In line with the above, the relevant provisions of the model Request for Proposal (“RFP”) for HAM projects have been modified to incorporate disqualification criteria linked to catastrophic failures. Therefore, a bidder, including any consortium member, is deemed non-eligible for being awarded HAM projects if in any of its projects (ongoing or completed) during the last 2 (two) years from the bid due date, a catastrophic failure of a structure or highway due to construction defect(s) has occurred. Bidders are required to submit an undertaking in the prescribed format confirming that neither the bidder nor any consortium member has experienced any catastrophic failure in any project during the last 2 (two) years from the bid due date.

Source: NHAI Policy Circular dated August 9, 2026

Release of additional performance security for non-regular civil works sanctioned at NHAI level

NHAI, vide circular dated July 10, 2026, has modified the provisions for release of additional performance security which is furnished by a contractor/concessionaire in the event a bidder submits a bid price which is a certain percentage below the estimated cost specified in a tender document. The changes apply to ongoing and future bids of non-regular civil works and blackspot works sanctioned at NHAI level. These include works taken up on EPC mode, O&M, short-term maintenance contract, item rate or Performance-Based Maintenance Contract (“PBMC”) basis. As per the circular, 25% of the additional performance security will be released after the completion certificate is issued. This applies only if the project is completed on time, without any extension of time. Another 25% of the additional performance security will be released 1 (one) year after the completion certificate, if the stretch meets pavement quality index and international roughness index norms. The remaining 50% will be released after successful completion of the defects liability period. A non-refundable penalty of 5% of the additional performance security will be levied for each failure to meet these norms in any biannual assessment. As per the circular, these provisions must be included in all pending and future bids.

Source: NHAI Policy Circular dated July 10, 2026

NHAI tightens plantation compliance norms before issue of provisional completion certificate

NHAI, vide press release dated September 9, 2026, has issued guidelines on plantation and landscaping along National Highway (“NH”) projects. Median and avenue plantation must be carried out in accordance with the relevant provisions of the contract or concession agreement and the Green Highways Policy, 2015. The guidelines introduce a minimum threshold which must be fulfilled in order for a provisional certificate of completion under the concession agreement to be issued. The guidelines specify that in order for the provisional certificate of completion (PCC) to be issued/provisional commercial operation date (PCOD) to be achieved, plantation must cover at least 80% of RoW earmarked for plantation and planted saplings must record a minimum survival rate of 90% at the time of inspection. The guidelines go on to specify that any shortfall in achieving the requisite quantity of plantation must be highlighted to the concessionaire along with specific timelines for completion with financial withholdings under the concession agreement being invoked until the balance plantation is completed by the concessionaire.

In addition to the above, the guidelines specify that release of O&M and annuity payments in EPC, HAM and Build-Operate-Transfer (“BOT”) (Annuity) projects and assessment of maintenance compliance in BOT (Toll) projects will be contingent on concessionaire maintaining a 90% survival rate of the plantations throughout the O&M period.

Source: PIB Press Release dated September 9, 2026

Amendments to the standard RFP for detailed project report consultancy services for NH projects in hilly terrain

NHAI, vide circular dated July 21, 2026, has adopted amendments to the standard RFP for procurement of Detailed Project Report (“DPR”) consultancy services. MoRTH had issued these amendments vide circular dated June 24, 2026. They form part of additional remedial measures to address concerns regarding construction of NHs in hilly regions. The amendments apply only to NH projects and protection works in hilly terrain.

Some of the amendments made to the RFP in relation to NH projects in hilly areas include:

• Addition of a new Clause 3.1.9 to the RFP: For project stretches located in mountainous, steep, or hilly terrains, the DPR consultant will delineate and define additional RoW or permanent access envelopes beyond the standard carriage limits. This additional land acquisition mapping is mandatory for:
  • the construction of upper hill-side catch water drains and catch pits required to intercept runoff past the standard road formation, and
  • locations where slope stabilisation systems (including soil nails, rock bolts, or active ground anchors) are structurally designed to extend past the normal highway boundary into competent structural strata.
• Addition of new Clause 3.1.14 and Clause 3.1.15 to the RFP regarding community boundary mapping: The consultant will map, document, and geo-tag every commercial/non-commercial building, structure, private land parcel, and utilities alignment located within a 100 (one hundred) meter zone on each side of the proposed edge of the RoW (PRoW). Deliverables must include date-and-time-stamped photographic and high-resolution video evidence of structure conditions to serve as an unalterable pre-construction baseline.
• Muck disposal site selection: The consultant must identify, investigate, and survey the exact coordinates of designated dumping yards and stacking areas for unusable excavated material or landslide debris. The locations must be firmed up during the DPR phase and mapped into the bidding schedules with certified volumetric capacities (m³), ensuring that layout options do not cross or block local natural streams, valley channels, or river pathways.
• Modification of Clauses 4.11.2 (2) and (6) of the RFP: For all hilly terrain stretches, the baseline topographic strip survey corridor will be expanded to a minimum width of 300 (three hundred) meters (150 meters on either side of the existing alignment centerline or possible alternative options). This survey must be executed using high-precision Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) and artificial intelligence-camera-equipped unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
• Satellite interferometric synthetic aperture radar superimposition: The finalised topographic map must be mathematically superimposed with the Indian Landslide Susceptibility Map and historical past landslide inventories. The consultant must acquire and analyse multi-temporal satellite imagery via Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (INSAR) or matching resources developed by the National Remote Sensing Agency to map active slope creep and micro-movements (quantified in milimeter/year) across the 300 (three hundred) meter influence strip. All surface tension cracks identified in the crown areas must be explicitly mapped for civil repair encapsulation.

Source: NHAI Policy Circular dated July 21, 2026

NHAI strengthens professional management of Infrastructure Investment Trust led O&M of NH assets

MoRTH, vide press release dated July 16, 2026, has engaged General Management Consultants (“GMCs”) for effective O&M of NH assets which form part of the portfolio of highways being managed by National Highways Infra Trust (NHIT) i.e., the Infrastructure Investment Trust (“InvIT“) sponsored by NHAI.

The GMCs are expected to undertake systematic inspections on a periodic basis using both visual inspections and modern equipment-based evaluation techniques, and based on such assessments, identify maintenance requirements, safety interventions, defect rectification works, capacity augmentation measures and other improvements. Further, the GMCs are excepted to manage procurement of specialised contractors and agencies, supervise execution of works, certify completed works, recommend measures for improving toll plaza operations and traffic management, and ensure timely reporting and compliance with the Securities and Exchange Board of India’s regulatory framework governing InvITs.

Source: PIB Press Release dated July 16, 2026

Consultancy RFP provisions amended to attract experienced engineering professionals and young talent in NH projects

NHAI, vide press release dated July 22, 2026, has announced amendments to the standard RFP documents for deployment of Authority Engineer (“AE“) and Independent Engineer (“IE“) consultancy services, mandating minimum remuneration to be paid by consultancy firms to key professional, sub-professional (civil engineer) and young professional (civil engineer) categories in future contracts. The revised framework prescribes the following minimum monthly remuneration for members forming a part of the AE/IE’s team:

• INR 5,00,000 (Indian Rupees five lakhs) for team leader and bridge/structural engineer;
• INR 3,50,000 (Indian Rupees three lakhs fifty thousand) for resident cum highway engineer, programme schedule reviewer, senior quality cum material expert and senior pavement specialist;
• INR 2,50,000 (Indian Rupees two lakhs fifty thousand) for road safety expert;
• INR 1,50,000 (Indian Rupees one lakh fifty thousand) for sub-professional (civil engineer); and
• INR 1,00,000 (Indian Rupees one lakh) for young professional (civil engineer). Payment of the mandated minimum remuneration to consultancy staff is to be ensured through an escrow arrangement.

Additionally, NHAI has revised its policy governing the engagement of site engineers which were previously limited to a tenure of maximum of 5 (five) years by incorporating specific provisions in the general conditions of contract of the AE/IE consultancy RFPs to create structured career progression opportunities. Under the revised framework, a minimum of 20% of the sub-professional engineering staff deployed by AE and IE consultancy firms is required to comprise of previously engaged site engineers or young professionals from NHAI, MoRTH or the National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) projects.

NHAI has also introduced mandatory empanelment and interview requirements through the NHAI skill bridge portal, incorporated into the consultancy contract agreements to strengthen the selection process and enhance the quality of professional engagement in NH consultancy assignments.

Source: PIB Press Release dated July 22, 2026

Strict compliance with timelines for commencement of user fee collection

NHAI, vide circular dated July 25, 2026, has directed strict compliance with Rule 3(2) of the NHs Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008. Rule 3(2) requires fee collection to commence within 45 (forty-five) days from completion of a publicly funded NH section, permanent bridge, bypass or tunnel. MoRTH had observed that this timeline was not being strictly followed in certain cases. This delayed the commencement of user fee collection. All regional offices and project implementation units must comply with Rule 3(2), MoRTH’s letter dated September 9, 2025, and the standard operating procedure dated March 7, 2019. Exemptions may be considered only in exceptional cases, with approval of the competent authority.

Source: NHAI Policy Circular dated July 25, 2026

Cost escalation compensation mechanism for NH projects due to significant increase in bitumen prices

NHAI, vide circular dated August 4, 2026, has circulated a directive issued by the MoRTH dated July 29, 2026. MoRTH had previously introduced a cost escalation compensation mechanism for NH projects undertaken on EPC/HAM/PBMC modes to mitigate the impact of the abnormal increase in bitumen prices on highways construction projects.

The mechanism was operationalised through a series of earlier circulars, including MoRTH letters dated April 1, 2026 (regarding monthly payment), April 17, 2026 (on bitumen escalation mechanism in contracts with no price escalation clause), April 25, 2026 (on bitumen escalation mechanism in HAM projects), and May 18, 2026 (clarification regarding applicability on all categories of bitumen). Upon re-examination, it was observed that bitumen rates continue to remain in a higher range. Accordingly, the validity of the aforementioned circulars was extended until September 30, 2026, and the circular will have effect for works carried out in the period from April 1, 2026 to September 30, 2026.

Source: NHAI Policy Circular dated August 4, 2026

Adoption of amendments to the standard RFP document for procurement of DPR consultancy services

NHAI, vide circular dated September 19, 2026, has adopted the amendments made by MoRTH vide its circular dated September 2, 2026, to the standard RFP document for procurement of consultancy services for the preparation of DPR in respect of NHs and centrally sponsored road works. Some of the key amendments adopted are as follows:

• for normal highway projects with a tentative project cost of INR 100 crore (Indian Rupees one hundred crore) or less or for projects where the tentative project cost is more than INR 100 crore (Indian Rupees one hundred crore) but less than or equal to INR 500 crore (Indian Rupees five hundred crore), only sole bidders are permitted to bid and no Joint Venture (“JV“) partner or associate is allowed. For projects with a tentative project cost exceeding INR 500 crore (Indian Rupees five hundred crore), 1 (one) JV partner is allowed, meeting at least 50% minimum eligibility criteria, with the lead partner required to meet at least 75% eligibility criteria;
• the bid security is now required to be at 2% of the estimated procurement value, and a bid securing declaration is permitted in lieu of the earnest money deposit, where indicated in the tender information summary;
• under quality and cost-based selection, the weightages have been revised to 30 (technical score):40 (DPR rating):30 (financial quote), as against the earlier 30:30:40. The DPR rating is now scored out of 40 (forty) marks instead of the earlier 30 (thirty) marks. Similarly, under quality based selection, the weightages are now 30 (technical score):40 (DPR rating):30 (Performance Bank Guarantee (“PBG”) quote);
• the scoring slabs for the current DPR rating for normal highway projects have been revised, with the highest slab (greater than 80 (eighty)) now attracting 40 (forty) marks and subsequent slabs adjusted downward accordingly. For standalone bridge and standalone tunnel projects, the rating criteria headers now refer to ‘normal highway projects’ with revised scoring bands;
• a new provision has been inserted under general conditions of contract Clause 10 (pertaining to amendment of bidding documents), stipulating, inter alia, that if the construction contract is not awarded within 3 (three) years from the date of approval of the alignment by the competent authority, the consultancy contract is to stand foreclosed upon expiry of such period unless extended by a specific order;
• the penalty on change of scope on account of utility shifting has been revised, with a penalty of 2.5% of PBG value for a variation of 0.5 to1%, 5% of PBG value for 2 to 3%, and 10% of PBG value for variations exceeding 3% with there being nil penalty for variation below 0.5%; and
• the stage-wise payment schedule and corresponding PBG release stages have been restructured, with specific milestones including submission of final quality assurance plan and inception report, submission and approval of the final DPR report, completion of award declaration for 90% of land parcels, receipt of land possession certificates, completion of mutation of land record, and a final tranche to be released at the earlier of the project’s commercial operations date or 3 (three) years from the start of civil work.

Source: NHAI Policy Circular dated September 19, 2026.

Guidelines for design and development of access-controlled high-speed NHs

In line with the Government of India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, NHAI, vide press release dated September 21, 2026, has released comprehensive guidelines for the planning and design of high-speed, access-controlled NHs, other than expressways. The guidelines are intended to establish a uniform framework for the preparation of DPRs for high-speed NH corridors, bringing greater consistency in technical standards, strengthening road safety, and improving operational efficiency across the NH network. The guidelines will apply to all upcoming 4 (four)-lane/6 (six)-lane greenfield and brownfield high-speed, access-controlled NHs. The key focus of the guidelines is to incorporate additional safety measures appropriate for high-speed traffic conditions, including special provisions for advance notification of exits and entries to enable users to safely navigate upcoming access and egress points. The guidelines standardise lane configuration based on detailed traffic assessment as prescribed.

• corridors with traffic flow of up to 15,000 (fifteen thousand) vehicles, with a 4 (four)-lane highway and 4 (four)-lane structures, are to have a width of 60 (sixty) metres;
• corridors with traffic flow between 15,000 (fifteen thousand) and 25,000 (twenty-five thousand) vehicles, with a 4 (four)-lane highway and 6 (six)-lane structures, are to have a width of 70 (seventy) metres; and
• highways with traffic flow between 25,000 (twenty-five thousand) and 40,000 (forty thousand) vehicles are to have a width of 70 (seventy) metres for a 6 (six)-lane highway and 6 (six)-lane structures configuration.

Additionally, interchanges with ramps will be provided at crossings with expressways, NHs, state highways, and important arterial roads generating substantial traffic, as well as roads providing connectivity to major traffic-generating destinations such as ports, airports, multi-modal logistics parks, industrial areas, and major tourist destinations. Further, to strengthen access control and prevent encroachments, unauthorised access, and entry of stray cattle onto high-speed corridors, the guidelines prescribe the construction of a 1 (one)-metre-high boundary wall along the outer edge of the access controlled corridor.

Source: PIB Press Release dated September 21, 2026

Guidelines to strengthen technology integration and sustainability in development of high-speed NH corridors

NHAI, vide press release dated September 24, 2026, has released comprehensive guidelines for the planning and design of high-speed access-controlled NHs, other than expressways. The guidelines are applicable to all upcoming 4 (four)-lane and 6 (six)-lane greenfield and brownfield high-speed access-controlled NHs. Some of the key aspects of the guidelines are as follows:

• traffic projections must account for existing and diverted traffic, along with expected growth in freight movement linked to economic and commercial activities. Toll data and other reliable sources are also to be utilised to improve the accuracy of traffic estimates;
• the guidelines prescribe the use of automated and intelligent machine-aided construction technology for the construction of embankments and highway pavements, in accordance with applicable MoRTH guidelines. Additionally, a shift is envisaged towards the installation of multi lane free flow tolling systems on high-speed corridors;
• landscaping and plantation are to be incorporated as an integral part of project planning at suitable locations such as loop areas, below flyovers, medians and other suitable locations, keeping in view local climate, topography and environmental conditions. Drip irrigation systems are also to be provided on NH medians to ensure efficient use of water and easier maintenance of plantations; and
• comprehensive drainage planning is to form an integral part of the DPR process, identifying rainwater disposal points and how water from the NH and surrounding areas is to be safely managed. Special arrangements are to be made to manage water around underpasses, flyovers, depressed medians and other structures, to help prevent waterlogging and damage to NH infrastructure.

Source: PIB Press Release dated September 24, 2026

Modified technical eligibility criteria for utmost priority projects on EPC mode

NHAI, vide circular dated September 26, 2026, has modified the technical eligibility criteria for utmost priority projects to be awarded on EPC mode. The change relates to Clause 2.2.2.2(ii) of the RFP. NHAI observed that bidders were claiming eligibility based on completion certificates issued to sub-contractors or individual JV members. Such certificates do not establish that the bidder can complete an entire project safely and on time. Under the modified technical criteria in the RFP for EPC projects, the bidder must demonstrate least 1 (one) completed project i.e., where completion certificate or provision completion certificate has of the said project has been issued to the contractor/ concessionaire with such completion certificate or provisional completion certificate having been issued within the original scheduled completion date plus 30 (thirty) days for EPC projects, or plus 90 (ninety) days for HAM projects, without any extension of time. The cost of such work must be at least 35% of the estimated project cost and the project must have been completed in the last 5 (five) financial years before the bid due date. Most importantly, the revised eligibility criteria states that works executed as a sub-contractor will not be considered and completion certificates or provisional completion certificates issued to sub-contractors or individual JV members will also not be considered for computing eligibility. The circular also states that for projects being claimed by a bidder which are in the nature of JV projects, the approval of the government authority for such project will be required.

Source: NHAI Policy Circular dated September 26, 2026

NHAI to conduct special quality checks on projects which were awarded through abnormally low bids

NHAI, vide press release dated September 30, 2026, has announced special quality inspections of 17 (seventeen) under-construction NH projects. These projects had bid values more than 15% below the estimated project cost. The inspections are in addition to NHAI’s regular quality checks. These projects have been selected using the following criteria: (a) projects where the construction cost is more than INR 500 crore (Indian Rupees five hundred crore); (b) projects where there was a tender discount of over 15%; and (c) projects where physical progress is between 35% and 80%. These criteria helps NHAI to identify projects that are at an important stage of construction and adopt an objective, data-driven approach. The projects include greenfield and access-controlled corridors, bypasses, as well as 4 (four) and 6 (six) laning works in the states of Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh.

Teams led by 39 (thirty-nine) experienced and retired engineers will carry out the inspections. The teams will check construction work, materials, workmanship, testing records, road safety measures and environmental safeguards. The first round of inspections is to be completed by December 2026.

Source: PIB Press Release dated September 30, 2026

Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approves various projects

During July – September 2026, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (“CCEA”) approved several NH projects. The projects are expected to reduce travel time, improve road safety and enhance regional connectivity. The approved projects are set out below:

• CCEA, vide press release dated July 1, 2026, has approved construction of a 6 (six)-lane road tunnel for NH-148AE connecting Dwarka Expressway with Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj in Delhi. The project spans 8.1 (eight point one) kilometre (“km”) at a total capital cost of INR 6,969.67 crore (Indian Rupees six thousand nine hundred and sixty-nine point sixty-seven crore) on HAM basis. It will provide faster connectivity between West and South Delhi. The twin-tube tunnel passes beneath the Southern Ridge, minimising surface disruption.
  Source: PIB Press Release dated July 1, 2026

• CCEA, vide press release dated July 1, 2026, has approved construction of the 117.7 (one hundred and seventeen point seven) km access-controlled greenfield Kanpur–Kabrai section of NH-34 in Uttar Pradesh. The 4 (four)-lane corridor has structures designed for future 6 (six) laning. NHAI will implement it on BOT (Toll) mode at a total capital cost of INR 7,145.14 crore (Indian Rupees seven thousand one hundred and forty-five point fourteen crore). It is expected to reduce travel time between Kanpur and Kabrai from 3.5 (three point five) hours to 1.5 (one point five) hours thereby strengthening connectivity to the Kabrai mining belt which in turn will lead to improvement in the movement of minerals, industrial goods, construction materials and agricultural produce. This project is also aligned with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and will improve connectivity to 16 (sixteen) economic nodes, including the Unnao, Banther, Pankhi, Rania, Jainpur, Rooma, Chakeri, Sumerpurand Bhuragarh Industrial Areas, Trans Ganga Integrated Township, Growth Centre Jaipur and Kanpur Nagar Node.
  Source: PIB Press Release dated July 1, 2026

• CCEA, vide press release dated July 15, 2026, has approved development of a 46.039 (forty-six point zero three nine) km 6 (six)-lane greenfield elevated corridor between NH-19 and the Varanasi Ring Road in Uttar Pradesh. The project will be implemented on HAM basis at a total capital cost of INR 14,447.64 crore (Indian Rupees fourteen thousand four hundred and forty-seven point sixty-four crore). It includes an iconic 910 (nine hundred and ten) meter cable-stayed bridge across the River Ganga. It is expected to reduce average travel time in the project area from about 60 (sixty) minutes to 20 (twenty) minutes. This project will also be aligned with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and will strengthen multi modal connectivity by providing seamless access to major highways, railway stations, Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport and Ramnagar IWAI Port.
  Source: PIB Press Release dated July 15, 2026

• CCEA, vide press release dated August 6, 2026, has approved development of the 135.871 (one hundred and thirty-five point eight seven one) km 4 (four)-lane access-controlled Guwahati–Tezpur corridor of NH-15 in Assam. The project will be developed on BOT (Toll) mode at a total capital cost of INR 8,970.20 crore (Indian Rupees eight thousand nine hundred and seventy point twenty crore). It includes a 4.9 (four point nine) km Emergency Landing Facility in the Tezpur bypass. It also includes 5 (five) major bypasses with a total length of 58.7 (fifty-eight point seven) km.
  Source: PIB Press Release dated August 6, 2026

• CCEA, vide press release dated August 19, 2026, has approved upgradation of the 82.578 (eighty-two point five seven eight) km Muzaffarpur–Sitamarhi–Sonbarsa section of NH-22 in Bihar to 4 (four)-lane standard. The project will be developed on HAM at a total capital cost of INR 3,590.73 crore (Indian Rupees three thousand five hundred and ninety point seventy-three crore). It connects the India–Nepal border at Sonbarsa with Muzaffarpur. It is designed for a speed of 100 (one hundred) km per hour.
  Source: PIB Press Release dated August 19, 2026

This Newsletter has been prepared by:

Ashish Suman | Vishnu Sudarsan | Kartikeya GS | Ayan Sinha | Swapnil Singh | Swadha Singh

For more details, please contact km@jsalaw.com.