NHAI reports highway construction growth and mandates new plantation standards

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has reported significant progress in highway development, constructing 5,313 km of national highways during the 2025-26 period, exceeding its target by approximately 15 per cent. NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav noted that the organization is focusing on sustainability, advanced technology, and improving the commuter experience. A notable technological milestone includes the launch of multi-lane free flow tolling at the Chorayasi Toll Plaza in Gujarat to reduce waiting times and logistics costs.

To reinforce its commitment to sustainability, the NHAI has issued new guidelines mandating minimum plantation and landscaping requirements for project completion. Under these rules, plantation works will only be considered compliant for provisional completion certification if they cover at least 80 per cent of the earmarked Right of Way and maintain a minimum sapling survival rate of 90 per cent. Failure to meet these thresholds will result in financial withholdings until the targets are achieved and necessary plant replacements are made.