New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Narendra Modi, approved the NH-56 four-lane upgradation project in Gujarat at a total capital cost of Rs 4,583.64 crore.
The project covers the Dhamasiya–Bitada/Movi stretch of 47.46 km and the Nasarpore–Malotha stretch of 60.21 km. Together, the NH-56 four-lane upgradation will span 107.67 km. Authorities will execute the work under the Hybrid Annuity Mode.
NH-56 starts at Nimbahera in Rajasthan. It then passes through Dahod in Gujarat and Alirajpur in Madhya Pradesh. Thereafter, it re-enters Gujarat near Chhota Udepur and ends at its junction with NH-48 near Vapi. The upgraded corridor will improve regional connectivity across these stretches.
Importantly, the approved alignment passes through the Aspirational District of Narmada. It will also strengthen links to tribal areas in Dahod, Chhota Udepur, Tapi and Bharuch. As a result, officials expect economic activity to improve in these districts.
NH-56 four-lane upgradation to cut travel time by 40%
The upgraded highway is designed for a speed of 100 km per hour. However, it will enable an average speed of 70 km per hour. Consequently, travel time will reduce by 40%, from 2.5 hours to 1.5 hours across the corridor.
The NH-56 four-lane upgradation will also enhance access to the Statue of Unity at Kevadia. The tourist landmark lies about 11 km from NH-56. Therefore, improved road capacity is expected to benefit tourism and local businesses.
The project will generate around 19.38 lakh man-days of direct employment. In addition, it will create about 22.82 lakh man-days of indirect employment. Increased economic activity along the corridor may generate further job opportunities.
The National Highways Authority of India has already awarded other packages on the Jambugam (Bodeli)–Malotha section of NH-56. Construction began in November 2025 with a target completion period of two years. Once all packages conclude, a continuous four-lane corridor from Bodeli to Malotha will emerge.
This connectivity will ease congestion on NH-56. Moreover, it will improve links to NH-53, NH-48 and the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway. Officials said the NH-56 four-lane upgradation will strengthen mobility, boost trade and support balanced regional development in Gujarat.
