India-based IL&FS Engineering and Construction has received a letter of intent for a major National Highway expressway project in India, valued at 14.36bn ($265.27m).

IL&FS Engineering and Construction secured the contract from the Kiratpur Ner Chowk Expressway, a special purpose vehicle created by IL&FS Transportation Networks for the project.

The latest project is an engineering, procurement, and construction scheme that involves four laning the Kiratpur Ner Chowk Section of National Highway 21 (NH-21) in the states of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.

IL&FS Engineering and Construction CEO M D Khattar said that the project, when completed, will lower time and cost of travel between Kiratpur and Ner Chowk and will deliver an improved communication link in Himachal Pradesh.

"The project, when completed, will lower time and cost of travel between Kiratpur and Ner Chowk and will deliver an improved communication link in Himachal Pradesh."

"This expansion of the highway also has the potential to enhance the employment opportunities for the local population in the project activities," Khattar said.

Expected to be completed in 1,005 days, the project will cover a total length of 84.375km, across the district of Rupnagar in Punjab, and the districts of Bilaspur and Manali in Himachal Pradesh.

The work involves 67.3km of road works, minor bridges, 18 major bridges, five main tunnels, including one escape tunnel, flyover, pedestrian / cattle underpass, toll plaza, truck lay-bys and bus bays.

NH-21 is considered to be a vital link connecting national capital Delhi and the tourist destination of Manali in Himachal Pradesh. It is also a major link to Leh in Ladakh.