New Delhi

National highway construction in the last financial year reached 9,380 km, falling short of the 10,000-km target, according to a senior official from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on Friday.

The official said the main reasons for the shortfall were delays in land acquisition and pending regulatory clearances.

The latest figure marks the lowest pace of highway construction since 2017-18, when 9,829 km of roads were built.

The ministry is responsible for developing and maintaining national highways and expressways across India.

Construction figures in previous years were higher, with 10,660 km completed in 2024-25, 12,349 km in 2023-24, and 10,331 km in 2022-23.

Officials said the slowdown also reflects a steep decline in the awarding of new highway projects.

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The pace of contract awards dropped from 12,376 km in 2022-23 to 7,538 km in FY25, affecting future construction momentum.