This compares with an allocation of ₹2,87,333.16 crore in BE 2025–26, as per the official budget documents
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PERIASAMY M
This compares with an allocation of ₹2,87,333.16 crore in BE 2025–26, as per the official budget documents.
Notably, the allocation for the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has been placed at ₹1,87,293.16 crore in BE 2026–27, compared with ₹1,70,266.00 crore in the previous year’s estimate.
According to the explanatory notes, the provision is for the development of national highways, including projects relating to expressways and greenfield access-controlled corridors.
The expenditure is to be met from the Permanent Bridge Fee Fund, the Monetization of National Highways Fund, Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs), and budgetary support.
Apart from NHAI, the allocation under the “Road Works” component has been increased to ₹86,125 crore in BE 2026–27 from ₹78,295 crore in BE 2025–26. As per the documents, the provision is for expenditure on development of national highways, including two-laning and four-laning works.
Special programmes
Besides, it includes special programmes for development of road connectivity in Left Wing Extremism affected areas, provision of last-mile connectivity, development of ropeways, development of Multi-Modal Logistics Parks along expressways and national highways, and development of strategic and border roads.
Furthermore, the budget shows a higher provision for maintenance and repair of existing assets.
The allocation for maintenance and repair of national highways, financed through the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF), has been raised to ₹5,020 crore in BE 2026–27 from ₹4,595 crore in BE 2025–26.
As per the explanatory notes, the provision is mainly for expenditure on maintenance and repair of national highways financed from CRIF.
In addition, the explanatory notes state that the government has evolved a mechanism to ensure that maintenance and repair of all national highway sections is carried out through an accountable maintenance agency.
Published on February 1, 2026
