Delhi-Panipat NH-1 stretch to be expanded to eight-laned highway

New Delhi: The Delhi-Panipat stretch of NH-1 would be expanded to an eight-laned dedicated highway in the next three years. To meet the increasing demand of traffic growth, NHAI is set to award this project on toll mode by this month-end. The authority claimed there will be no hassle for commuters during the expansion phase, unlike other similar projects.

Five companies have put their bids and NHAI sources said Essel Infraprojects has quoted minimum government funding to undertake the Rs 2,129 crore project on BOT(Toll) mode.

NHAI, which received flak for poorly managing the expansion of Gurgaon-Jaipur stretch, claimed that they have over 90% land availability and there will be no delay in execution of the project.

"This project is being awarded after the amendment of toll policy was carried out for expanding the road from four to six or eight lanes. The changes will protect commuters' interest," said a road ministry official.

In this case, the prevailing toll charge would be reduced to 75% and it would be capped for the entire construction period. This means there will no annual increase in toll charges. "If the developer fails to complete work in time, tolling will be suspended for that extra construction period. This will disincentivize the private player from delaying the work," said an official.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.