The government plans to award road projects worth Rs 10 lakh crore every year, with a target of Rs 7 lakh crore in project awards by the end of FY26, Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari said on Thursday, signalling renewed momentum after delays linked to the Bharatmala programme.Speaking at the annual session of the Indian Construction Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (ICEMA), Gadkari said the sector had seen some slowdown over the past year due to the cancellation of Bharatmala, according to an ET report. “But in the current year, we have already awarded projects worth Rs 2 lakh crore and the plan is to award another Rs 5 lakh crore by year-end, taking the total to Rs 7 lakh crore,” he said.He added that the target going forward is Rs 10 lakh crore annually, noting that the award process is “transparent, time-bound and corruption-free” with no shortage of funds.Gadkari reiterated his goal of achieving 100 km of road construction per day, compared to the peak of 37 km per day recorded in 2020–21.Urging the construction equipment industry to adopt alternate and sustainable fuels, Gadkari said the ministry is exploring interest-free loans for manufacturers developing such equipment. “Besides, a relief on one-time tax on registration of construction equipment running on alternate fuels is also under consideration,” he added.“This will substitute huge fuel imports worth Rs 22 lakh crore annually, reduce pollution, and boost indigenous innovation,” he said, calling it a win-win for the industry, government and economy.