The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has awarded a contract to upgrade the 64km section from two lanes to four lanes between the Hiran River and Sindoor River on NH-12, in the state of Madhya Pradesh.

The contract, worth Rs8.66bn ($136m), was awarded to a joint venture involving Krishna Constructions and Gawar Construction.

The scope of the contract includes an upgrade of the highway using rigid pavement, along with construction of four major bridges and 20 minor bridges.

Furthermore, the project includes construction of nine underpasses at the location of minor junction and 29 minor junctions for the free and safe movement of road users.

“The scope of the contract includes an upgrade of the highway using rigid pavement, along with construction of four major bridges and 20 minor bridges.”

According to the NHAI, a 13km section of the road will pass through a wildlife sanctuary, out of which a 39.750ha area of wildlife forest land is needed for diversion.

The road will also pass through a 2km-long reserve and protected woods, in which 11.081ha forest land is required for diversion.

Business Standard quoted a statement by NHAI: “In order to facilitate free and safe movement of wildlife, adequate mitigation measures have been included in the project like an additional span of five metres on either side of the major bridges, and provision of structures 5m x 3.5m in size at 25 locations.”

The project would be implemented on engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) mode for a period of 24 months.