The government has sanctioned the upgradation of two sections of National Highway-56 in Gujarat to 4-lane roads with an outlay of Rs 4,583.64 crore. These sections, Dhamasiya–Bitada/Movi (47.46 km) and Nasarpore–Malotha (60.21 km), will cover a total length of 107.67 kms. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, made this decision to enhance road connectivity in the region.
The approved projects are part of NH-56, which spans from Nimbahera in Rajasthan, passing through Dahod District in Gujarat, Alirajpur District in Madhya Pradesh, and re-entering Gujarat near Chhota Udepur District before ending at NH-48 near Vapi. These projects are set to benefit the Aspirational District of Narmada, improving access to tribal areas in Dahod, Chhota Udepur, Tapi, and Bharuch, thereby fostering economic growth and regional development.
The upgradation will also enhance connectivity to the Statue of Unity, a key national tourist attraction situated in Kevadia village, approximately 11 km away from NH-56. The project aims to facilitate a speed of 100 km/hour, resulting in an average speed of 70 km/hour and reducing travel time by 40%, from 2.5 to 1.5 hours. It is estimated that this 107.67 km project will create around 19.38 lakh man-days of direct employment and 22.82 lakh man-days of indirect employment.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, in collaboration with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), is overseeing the upgradation of the congested Jambugam (Bodeli)-Malotha section of NH-56 (175 km) in four packages. Upon completion, this will establish a continuous 4-lane connectivity from Bodeli to Malotha, alleviating congestion on NH-56 and enhancing links to NH-53, NH-48, and the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, as per the CCEA’s statement.
