Karnataka Secures Fourth Position in National Highway Development Funding
Data presented in the Lok Sabha by Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari reveals that the central government allocated a substantial Rs 43,796 crore over the past five years for the development and maintenance of national highways in Karnataka. This significant investment places the state in the fourth position nationally, trailing behind Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Bihar in terms of expenditure.
Comparative Analysis of Highway Expenditure Across States
While Karnataka's allocation is noteworthy, it pales in comparison to the massive investments in other leading states. Uttar Pradesh received approximately Rs 1 lakh crore, and Maharashtra was allocated around Rs 96,000 crore during the same period. Officials clarify that Karnataka's funds were primarily directed towards expansion projects rather than routine upkeep, reflecting a strategic focus on enhancing infrastructure capacity.
Execution Models and Maintenance Challenges
National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials in Karnataka explained that most highway projects are executed under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) and hybrid annuity models. These models limit direct government spending on maintenance, as private entities often handle operational aspects. "The only area where expenditure is incurred is in EPC contracts," stated Vilas P Brahmankar, NHAI Regional Officer, highlighting the constrained scope for public funding in upkeep.
Karnataka boasts approximately 8,000 kilometers of national highways, which officials argue justifies the scale of investment. However, the ministry has identified 67 problematic stretches nationwide, with two located within the state, indicating persistent maintenance issues.
Critical Infrastructure Failures and Repairs
Among the flagged stretches, a 10-meter section along NH 948 between Bandipur Tiger Reserve and Bengaluru collapsed in 2025. This high-traffic area is currently under repair based on recommendations from the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. More severely, the Kaali bridge along NH 66 experienced the collapse of three spans in 2024, disrupting a key link between the Goa-Karnataka border and Kundapur. The contractor responsible was debarred the same year, underscoring accountability concerns.
Toll Revenue Collection and Ranking
On the revenue front, Karnataka collected Rs 16,140 crore in toll fees over the five-year period, with collections surging to Rs 4,320 crore in the 2024-25 fiscal year alone. This places the state fifth in toll revenue nationally, behind Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.
Widening Gap Between Expansion and Maintenance
Despite rising toll collections, data suggests a growing disparity between highway expansion and maintenance. An official noted, "Several stretches on highways are either incomplete or in shambles, defeating the whole purpose of constructing such highways." This highlights systemic challenges in ensuring that infrastructure development translates into sustainable, safe, and efficient road networks for users.
The findings underscore the need for balanced investment strategies that prioritize both expansion and upkeep to maximize the benefits of national highway projects in Karnataka and across India.
