New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the upgradation of two critical stretches of National Highway 56 (NH-56) in Gujarat to four-lane standards, at a total investment of ₹4,583.64 crore.
Key Project Details
The approved project covers:
- Dhamasiya to Bitada/Movi: 47.46 km
- Nasarpore to Malotha: 60.21 km
The total length of the upgraded corridor will be 107.67 km, implemented under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM). The four-lane highway is designed for a speed of 100 km/h, expected to allow an average speed of 70 km/h, reducing travel time by nearly 40%—from 2.5 hours to 1.5 hours across the project stretch.
Strategic Route and Connectivity
NH-56 originates at Nimbahera in Rajasthan, passes through Dahod district (Gujarat), Alirajpur district (Madhya Pradesh), and re-enters Gujarat near Chhota Udepur, terminating at NH-48 near Vapi.
The upgraded stretches pass through the aspirational district of Narmada and are expected to improve connectivity to tribal regions in Dahod, Chhota Udepur, Tapi, and Bharuch districts. The corridor will also enhance access to the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, located just 11 km from NH-56.
Economic and Social Benefits
Officials highlighted that the upgradation will:
- Spur economic growth and social development in tribal regions.
- Establish a continuous four-lane corridor from Bodeli to Malotha, easing congestion on NH-56.
- Improve connections to NH-53, NH-48, and the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway (NE-4).
The project is also expected to generate significant employment:
- Direct employment: ~19.38 lakh man-days
- Indirect employment: ~22.82 lakh man-days
Additional jobs are anticipated due to economic activity along the upgraded corridor.
Ongoing NH-56 Developments
Earlier, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, through the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), awarded stretches from Jambugam (Bodeli) to Dhamasiya and Movi to Nasarpore in November 2025. These sections are currently under construction with a two-year completion timeline.
Once completed, NH-56 will become a modern, high-speed arterial route, providing smoother travel and better connectivity for both commercial and tourist traffic.
