On February 14, 2026, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved a major highway project to upgrade parts of National Highway 56 in Gujarat. This project is part of the Bodeli to Vapi corridor and aims to improve road connectivity in South Gujarat’s tribal and developing regions.
Project Details
Total Length and Cost
The highway upgrade will cover 107.67 km with an estimated cost of about ₹4,583.64 crore.
Key Approved Sections
- Dhamasiya to Bitada / Movi stretch: 47.46 km
- Nasarpore to Malotha stretch: 60.21 km
Implementation Method
Construction will be done under the Hybrid Annuity Model, which combines government funding and private participation.
Strategic Importance
Better Regional Connectivity
The upgraded highway will connect districts such as Surat, Narmada, Tapi, Chhota Udepur, Dahod, and Bharuch, improving transport and movement of goods.
Reduced Travel Time
The road is designed for speeds up to 100 km per hour. Travel time across the stretch may reduce by around 40 percent, from about 2.5 hours to nearly 1.5 hours.
Boost to Tourism and Economy
The project will improve access to the Statue of Unity at Ekta Nagar, located close to NH 56. This is expected to increase tourism, business activity, and local income.
Integration with Major Highways
After completion, the corridor will provide smooth four lane connectivity and link with NH 53, NH 48, and the Delhi Mumbai Expressway.
Employment Opportunities
Construction work is expected to create about 19.38 lakh man days of direct jobs and 22.82 lakh man days of indirect jobs, helping local employment.
Overall Impact
The NH 56 upgrade is an important infrastructure step for Gujarat. It is expected to improve road safety and travel speed, support tourism and trade, generate large scale employment, and strengthen regional development in tribal areas. This project may play a key role in economic growth and connectivity in South Gujarat over the coming years.