Bharatmala Pariyojna: Revolutionizing India’s Highway Infrastructure

The Bharatmala Pariyojna, or ‘India Garland Project,’ is a transformative initiative by the Government of India aimed at overhauling the nation’s highway network. This ambitious project will interconnect 550 district headquarters with a minimum 4-lane highway, up from the current 300, and increase the number of corridors from 6 to 50. The goal is to shift 80% of freight traffic to national highways by enhancing connectivity through logistics parks, inter-corridors, feeder routes, and multi-modal waterway ports.

Key Objectives and Scope

Bharatmala Pariyojna seeks to create a robust road network addressing current limitations and future demands. The key objectives include:

1. Expansion of National Corridors: Increasing national corridors from 6 to 50 to handle higher traffic volumes.
2. Freight Traffic Management: Shifting 80% of freight traffic to national highways, up from the current 40%.
3. Enhanced Connectivity: Interconnecting 550 district headquarters with a minimum of 4-lane highways.
4. Infrastructure Development: Building tunnels, bridges, elevated corridors, flyovers, overpasses, interchanges, bypasses, and ring roads for optimized connectivity.

Major Features and Components

Corridor Expansion and Connectivity

Bharatmala includes the development of 66 inter-corridors totaling 8,000 km and 116 feeder routes totaling 7,500 km. These routes ensure seamless connectivity and efficient transportation. The project also involves constructing 24 logistics parks and 7 northeast multi-modal waterway ports, enhancing the logistics framework.

Investment and Implementation

With an investment of ₹10.63 lakh crore (US$130 billion), Bharatmala is India’s largest government road construction scheme. It spans various states, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and the Himalayan territories. Special emphasis is placed on connectivity to far-flung border and rural areas, including tribal and backward regions.

National Highways Development Project (NHDP)

Bharatmala subsumes all existing highway projects, including the National Highways Development Project (NHDP) launched in 1998. The NHDP covers 48,793 km, with 28,915 km completed, 10,574 km under construction, and 9,304 km left for award. Bharatmala aims to complete these projects and expand the existing network.

National Corridors Efficiency Program (NCEP)

The National Corridors Efficiency Program focuses on decongesting busy stretches of national corridors by expanding lanes and constructing ring roads, bypasses, and elevated corridors. This program enhances the efficiency and capacity of six high-volume national corridors, including those in the Golden Quadrilateral and the North-South and East-West corridors.

Impact and Benefits

Economic Growth

Bharatmala is expected to significantly boost India’s economic growth by improving transportation efficiency and reducing logistics costs. The project enhances connectivity to industrial corridors, promoting initiatives like Make in India, Startup India, and Standup India.

Improved Connectivity

The project will improve connectivity to remote areas, satellite cities, and border regions, fostering regional development. It will also enhance the movement of goods and people, contributing to the overall socio-economic development of the country.

Job Creation

The construction and maintenance of highways under Bharatmala will create numerous job opportunities, both directly and indirectly, supporting the livelihoods of millions.

The Bharatmala Pariyojna is set to revolutionize India’s highway infrastructure. By enhancing connectivity, increasing freight traffic on national highways, and improving transportation efficiency, Bharatmala will play a crucial role in India’s economic development. As the project progresses, it promises significant positive changes in the transportation landscape, making travel faster, safer, and more efficient.