New Delhi, Jan. 29 -- Construction of new highways in India slowed in the first nine months of 2024-25 (April-December 2024) with the government more occupied in maintaining existing roads and launching complex projects, per government officials and new data.

The highways ministry, however, is expected to pick up pace in the remaining two months of this financial year and may even seek more funds than budgeted, a government official said.

Construction of highways fell 5.8% to 5,853 km in April-December from 6,216 km of infrastructure created in the first nine months of 2023-24, show data from the ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH).

Government awards for the construction of new highways also slowed, to 3,100 km between Apri...