New Delhi / Gandhinagar – In a move that promises to change the face of travel and trade in Gujarat’s tribal heartland, the Union Cabinet has officially approved a massive ₹4,583 crore project to transform two major sections of National Highway 56 (NH-56) into a high-speed four-lane corridor.
The decision, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is set to modernize over 107 kilometers of highway, specifically targeting the Dhamasiya–Bitada/Movi and Nasarpore–Malotha stretches.
Cutting Travel Time by Nearly Half
For daily commuters and long-haul drivers, this isn’t just about new asphalt; it’s about reclaimed time. The new design allows for a 100 km/h top speed, which is expected to slash travel times by a staggering 40%.
A journey that currently takes a grueling two and a half hours through congested patches will soon be completed in just 90 minutes. This efficiency isn’t just a convenience—it’s a major boost for the local economy, reducing fuel costs and vehicle wear and tear.
A Lifeline for the Tribal Belt and Tourism
The project holds special significance for Gujarat’s “Aspirational District” of Narmada and the tribal-rich regions of Dahod, Chhota Udepur, Tapi, and Bharuch. Historically, these areas have faced connectivity challenges, but this upgrade aims to integrate them into the state’s mainstream economic engine.
Furthermore, for the millions of tourists visiting the Statue of Unity, this is great news. The upgraded highway sits just 11 kilometers away from the iconic landmark in Kevadia, making the trip significantly smoother for visitors coming from Rajasthan or South Gujarat.
Creating Millions of Jobs
Beyond the road itself, the construction phase is set to become a massive employment engine. The government estimates that the project will generate approximately:
- 19.38 lakh man-days of direct employment.
- 22.82 lakh man-days of indirect employment.
Local businesses, from roadside eateries to supply chain providers, are expected to see a surge in demand as economic activity picks up along the corridor.
Looking Ahead
The project will be executed via the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) using the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM). With work on adjacent sections already having commenced in late 2025, the goal is to establish a seamless, four-lane connection from Bodeli all the way to Malotha.
Once completed, NH-56 will serve as a critical link between the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway (NE-4) and major national highways like NH-53 and NH-48, cementing Gujarat’s position as India’s premier logistics hub.
