Is nhai/rec bonds maturity amount taxable?

The NHAI bonds carry interest at 6.25 per cent per annum, payable annually on 31 March every year. REC bonds carry interest at 5.75 per cent per annum, payable annually on 30 June every year. The interest earned on these bonds is fully taxable under the head “Income from Other Sources”. No tax at source would be deducted from the interest on these bonds.

Maturity amount is exempt since it has been invested for the purpose  of saving tax . The idea of committing to such a low rate of interest is to make the proceeds tax free on investment and maturity.