As on 31 March 2004, the length of National Highways stood at 65569 km. A state-wise list of National Highways passing through the States is given in Appendix–C. For development and maintenance, these have been entrusted to Border Roads Organisation (BRO), National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and State PWDs as per details given in Appendix- D.

DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF NATIONAL HIGHWAYS

The Revised Estimates for 2003-04 were as under :

NH(O) = National Highway Original Works

PBFF = Permanent Bridge Fee Fund

Appendix-E gives state-wise revised allocation under different schemes on the development and maintenance of National Highways during 2003-04.

During the year, NHAI incurred an expenditure of Rs.9800.00 crore on various projects entrusted to it (including the Externally Aided Projects).

ROADS OF INTER-STATE CONNECTIVITY AND ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE

Proposals for roads/bridges projects costing nearly Rs.111 crores were given in principle approval during the year as against an amount of Rs.100 crores earmarked for the purpose.

CENTRAL ROAD FUNDA total of 704 works for the development of State roads costing Rs. 1296 crore were sanctioned during the year.