The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in India has announced a significant revision in construction timelines for national highway projects, extending the maximum duration to six years based on factors such as project cost, terrain, and structural complexities. Under the new guidelines, the base construction period is set at 30 months for projects with civil costs exceeding ₹1,500 crore (approximately $180 million USD). This change is aimed at addressing issues with the previous guidelines, which did not adequately account for the complexities involved in large-scale projects, leading to unrealistic timelines and increased costs. The new regulations will be applicable to all national highway projects that are bid out under various models, including engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC), hybrid annuity model (HAM), or built-operate-transfer (BOT) mode, starting from May 6, 2026. Additionally, projects requiring multiple flyovers, tunnels, or elevated structures can receive an extra six months beyond the base period, with further allowances for challenging terrains. This move is expected to enhance project completion predictability, reduce disputes, and improve overall quality and investor confidence in India's highway infrastructure.