National highways in remote areas, intermediate and single roads are all set to be two laned, with the government having identified 5,000-km of such roads for upgradation.

By doing so, the concerned Ministry for Road Transport and Highways has started work on implementing Phase IV of the National Highway Development Programme (NHDP).

The four-phase programme involves two-laning of 20,000-km of national highways.

A top ministry official told Business Standard, that with NHDP's main priority being four- and six-laning of highways, the government has been mainly focussing on them. However with the first three phases nearing their deadlines, the ministry is ready implement Phase IV.

With the the 5,000-km of 20,000-km identified for two-laning, ministry sources say a note is being prepared for the Cabinet's approval, expected by March this year.

While the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) -- the nodal government agency implementing the NHDP -- would take up the upgradation work, sources say even state governments may be invited to participate.

Highways and intermediary roads coming under Phase IV are mostly located in remote and hilly areas, which may take some time to be upgraded. Once the Cabinet clearance is got, the ministry would set a deadline for completion of Phase IV.

Also, the government is yet to decide on toll tax for these highways and roads, awaiting the tolling policy under consideration with the Committee of Secretaries (CoS). Cabinet clearance on the policy is expected by month-end.

The Phase IV of the NHDP had been lying in the cold storage ever since the programme began seven years ago.