BHARATMALA PROJECT (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Infrastructure)
Context: THE GOVERNMENT HAS extended the deadline for completion of the flagship highway development project Bharatmala Phase-I to 2027-28-afull six years from the original schedule.
Bharatmala Project
- About: Bharatmala Pariyojana is an umbrella program for the highways sector envisaged by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways that focuses on optimizing the efficiency of freight and passenger movement across the country.
- Phase-I of Bharatmala Pariyojana: The implementation of 34,800 km of national highways in 5 years (from 2017 to 2022) has been approved at an estimated outlay of Rs. 5,35,000 crore.
- Aim: To enhance the efficiency of the National Corridor, including the Golden Quadrilateral and North, South – East West corridors.
oThis involves alleviating congestion through the construction of elevated corridors, bypasses, ring roads, lane expansion, and logistics parks at specific points.
- Extension: 2027-28 full six years from the original schedule.
- Features
oStrategic Road: The project plan encompasses the development of Border Roads of strategic significance along international boundaries. Additionally, International Connectivity roads are proposed to boost trade with neighboring countries such as Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal.
oEconomic Corridors and Freight Traffic: The program has identified approximately 26,200 km of Economic Corridors or routes characterized by heavy freight traffic.
oIntegration of Scientific: A key emphasis is placed on utilizing scientific and technological planning for both Project Preparation and Asset Monitoring.
oSatellite Mapping: The project incorporates the use of satellite mapping for corridors to identify upgradation requirements.
