Addressing the Economic Editors' Conference in New Delhi on Wednesday, the minister said : “roads construction works have suffered largely due to heavy rains and landslides at places. I have sought additional funds for the repair work.”

He said that the economic growth rate has preceded infrastructure development in the country and therefore there was “an infrastructure deficit.” This is despite India having the second largest network of roads in the world.

In June 2009, it was decided to build 20 km a day of national highways. After one year, from June 2010 onwards, the government geared up to meet this target, he said.

Between October 2009 and September 2010, 201 projects having a combined length of 9,923 km have been awarded. With the award of these projects, the total work in progress stands at 14,704 km. Of this, 3138 km are of previous years, while 10,532 km have been added this year.

In 2010-11 it was targeted to award another 10,665 km.

“By next year, we will have work in progress of more than 25,000 km,” the minister said

Between October 2009 and September 2010, the government has been able to complete 4646 km of national highways under all programmes.