The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval for development of 1120 kms of National Highways in the States of Karnataka, Odisha, Bihar, Rajasthan and West Bengal.
The work for development to two lane standards are under Phase-I of the National Highways Interconnectivity Improvement Project (NHIIP) with World Bank assistance.
The revised estimated cost is Rs. 6,461 crore including cost of land acquisition, resettlement and rehabilitation and other pre-construction activities.
The projects are already taken up for implementation and 429 kms has been completed. The civil works are expected to be completed by July, 2019 and maintenance works are expected to be completed by July, 2024.
The project will ensure safe, fast and all weather movement of traffic on the proposed National Highways mostly located in backward regions thereby improving socio economic development.
Background:
The proposal was initially approved for Rs.5,193 crore. The cost has increased due to higher bid prices, and increase in cost of land acquisition, resettlement and rehabilitation and other pre-construction activities.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, paid homage to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his Balidan Diwas and remembered his immense contribution to nation-building.
The Prime Minister described Dr. Mookerjee as a distinguished patriot, scholar and statesman who dedicated his life to India’s development. Shri Modi said that Dr. Mookerjee’s unwavering conviction, courage in public life and commitment to national interest continue to inspire generations. He noted that Dr. Mookerjee’s sacrifice remains etched in the collective memory of the nation.
Paying respectful tributes to Dr. Mookerjee, the Prime Minister said that he dedicated his entire life to the selfless service of the nation and society. Shri Modi added that Dr. Mookerjee’s profound thoughts and ideals will continue to inspire every generation of the country to serve the motherland.
On the occasion, the Prime Minister also shared a Sanskrit Subhashitam:
“न कर्मणा न प्रजया धनेन त्यागेनैके अमृतत्वमानशुः।
परेण नाकं निहितं गुहायां विभ्राजते यद्यतयो विशन्ति॥”
The Subhashitam highlights that immortality is attained not through deeds, wealth, or lineage but through sacrifice and complete dedication to noble ideals. Those noble souls who renounce their personal interests for the sake of the nation, society and truth become immortal in the hearts of the people, transcending the limits of time.
The Prime Minister wrote on X;
“On his Balidan Diwas, I pay homage to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, a distinguished patriot, scholar and statesman who dedicated his life to India’s development. His unwavering conviction, courage in public life and commitment to national interest continue to inspire generations. Dr. Mookerjee’s sacrifice remains etched in our collective memory. We reaffirm our commitment to building a strong and developed India, guided by the values he cherished and served till his last breath.”
On his Balidan Diwas, I pay homage to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, a distinguished patriot, scholar and statesman who dedicated his life to India’s development. His unwavering conviction, courage in public life and commitment to national interest continue to inspire generations.…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 23, 2026
“निःस्वार्थ भाव से राष्ट्र और समाज की सेवा में आजीवन समर्पित रहे देश की महान विभूति डॉ. श्यामा प्रसाद मुखर्जी जी को उनके बलिदान दिवस पर आदरपूर्ण श्रद्धांजलि। उनके प्रखर विचार और आदर्श देश की हर पीढ़ी को मातृभूमि की सेवा के लिए प्रेरित करते रहेंगे।
न कर्मणा न प्रजया धनेन त्यागेनैके अमृतत्वमानशुः।
परेण नाकं निहितं गुहायां विभ्राजते यद्यतयो विशन्ति॥”
निःस्वार्थ भाव से राष्ट्र और समाज की सेवा में आजीवन समर्पित रहे देश की महान विभूति डॉ. श्यामा प्रसाद मुखर्जी जी को उनके बलिदान दिवस पर आदरपूर्ण श्रद्धांजलि। उनके प्रखर विचार और आदर्श देश की हर पीढ़ी को मातृभूमि की सेवा के लिए प्रेरित करते रहेंगे।
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 23, 2026
न कर्मणा न प्रजया धनेन… pic.twitter.com/UcpcRY4aJl


