New Delhi, June 22 -- In a move to speed up highway construction, the Centre has synchronized project approvals, awards and appointment of developers with milestones for land acquisition, environment, forest and wildlife clearances.

These milestones will be applicable for highway building and awarding agencies including the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), NHIDCL (National, Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd) and the ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH's) own road construction wing.

They reflect specific timelines for taking various statutory clearances before awarding any highway project.

Notably, the timeline goes well beyond the need to acquire 90% of land before inviting bids -- a practic...