Bharatmala

December 29, 2023

The government has extended the deadline for completion of the flagship highway development project Bharatmala Phase-I to 2027-28, a full six years from the original schedule.
The move follows an over 100% increase in the estimate cost of the mega project to nearly Rs 11 trillion, and reflects the slowing of implementation, and financial constraints.
About 26,418 km of highway stretches – 76% of the total length of 34,800 km – have been awarded so far.
Till November-end 15,045 km or 42% of the project has been completed.

DETAILS

Bharatmala Pariyojana is an umbrella program for the highways sector envisaged by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
The first-phase of Bharatmala was announced in 2017 and was to be completed by 2022.
In the first phase, the plan is to construct 34,800 km of highways.

COMPONENTS OF BHARATMALA PROJECT

Economic Corridor – The central government has plans to construct 9000kms of Economic Corridors as per the guidelines of the road construction project.
Feeder Route or Inter Corridor – A staggering 6000kms of roads fall under the Feeder Route or Inter Corridor category.
National Corridor Efficiency Improvement – The scheme envisions the construction of 5000kms of roads under the category of National Corridor for better inter-connectivity between roads.
Border Road and International Connectivity – The project aims to construct 2000kms of roads that fall in the Border Road or International Connectivity category to connect the cities and remote areas situated in the border regions.
Port Connectivity and Coastal Road – The central government has mandated the construction of 2000km of roads to connect the areas along the shorelines and important ports.
Green Field Expressway – The project lays major emphasis on the construction and development of Green Field Expressway for better management of traffic and freight.
Balance NHDP Works – The project will see the construction and maintenance of about 10,000kms of new roads under the last segment.