Cabinet Clears ₹4,583-Crore Plan to Four-Lane Key NH-56 Stretches in Gujarat
Upgrade to Boost Tribal Connectivity, Cut Travel Time by 40%, Enhance Access to Statue of Unity
New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the upgradation of key stretches of National Highway 56 in Gujarat to four lanes at an estimated cost of ₹4,583.64 crore.
The approved project covers the Dhamasiya–Bitada and Movi–Nasarpor–Malotha sections, spanning a total length of 107.67 kilometers. The construction will be executed under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM).
Strategic Corridor Across Three States
NH-56 originates from Nimbahera in Rajasthan, passes through Dahod district in Gujarat and Alirajpur district in Madhya Pradesh, re-enters Gujarat near Chhota Udepur, and culminates at its junction with NH-48 near Vapi.
The newly sanctioned stretches will pass through Narmada district and improve connectivity to tribal regions of Dahod, Chhota Udepur, Tapi, and Bharuch—expected to significantly support regional economic growth.
Importantly, the upgrade will also enhance connectivity to the Statue of Unity, located near Kevadia village, a major national tourism destination situated about 11 km from NH-56.
Faster Travel, Major Employment Boost
The corridor is being designed for a maximum speed of 100 km/h, with an expected average speed of 70 km/h. Once completed, travel time along the route is projected to reduce by 40%, from 2.5 hours to approximately 1.5 hours.
The project is expected to generate around 19.38 lakh man-days of direct employment and 22.82 lakh man-days of indirect employment. Additional job opportunities are also anticipated due to increased economic activity along the corridor.
Broader Highway Expansion Plan
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, through the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), has already initiated the widening of the congested Jambugam (Bodeli)–Malotha section (175 km) into four lanes under four packages.
Contracts for the Jambugam (Bodeli)–Dhamasiya and Movi–Nasarpor stretches have already been awarded, with construction commencing in November 2025. The targeted completion timeline is two years.
Upon completion, seamless four-lane connectivity will be established from Bodeli to Malotha, easing congestion on NH-56 and improving integration with NH-53, NH-48, and the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway (NE-4).
The Cabinet’s approval is being viewed as a major step toward strengthening infrastructure, tourism access, and economic development in central and tribal Gujarat.
