What is Bharatmala Pariyojana?
Historical Background
Key Points
9 points- 1.
Envisages development of approximately 65,000 km of national highways in phases.
- 2.
Total outlay estimated at ₹5.35 lakh crore for Phase-I (2017-2022), covering approx. 34,800 km of roads.
- 3.
Key components include: Economic Corridors (9,000 km), Inter-corridor & Feeder Routes (6,000 km), National Corridors Efficiency Improvement (5,000 km), Border & International Connectivity Roads (2,000 km), Coastal & Port Connectivity Roads (2,000 km), Greenfield Expressways (800 km), and Balance NHDP Roads (10,000 km).
- 4.
Implemented by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and its executing agencies like the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL), and State PWDs.
- 5.
Focuses on reducing logistics costs, improving connectivity to backward areas, border areas, and ports, and integrating with other modes of transport.
- 6.
Utilizes various funding models including Public-Private Partnership (PPP), Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC), and budgetary support.
- 7.
Aims to create a seamless network of roads, integrating with other modes of transport under the larger framework of PM Gati Shakti.
- 8.
Expected to generate significant employment opportunities (100 million man-days) and boost economic activity across various sectors.
- 9.
Emphasizes the use of technology for project monitoring, quality control, and efficient traffic management.
Visual Insights
Evolution of Bharatmala Pariyojana
This timeline illustrates the key milestones in the evolution of the Bharatmala Pariyojana, highlighting the shift from fragmented highway development to a corridor-based approach.
The Bharatmala Pariyojana was conceived to address the limitations of previous highway development programs by adopting a corridor-based approach, focusing on economic corridors, coastal roads, and border area connectivity.
- 1998National Highway Development Project (NHDP) launched: Focused on connecting major cities.
- 2017Bharatmala Pariyojana launched: Adopted a corridor-based approach, focusing on economic corridors and border connectivity.
- 2023Government increased focus on completing ongoing phases of Bharatmala Pariyojana, addressing delays.
- 2024Several stretches of economic corridors completed and opened to traffic, improving logistics efficiency.
- 2024Reports of cost overruns and delays in some sections of the project, prompting a review of implementation strategy.
- 2025-26Ministry of Road Transport and Highways scheduled to present Demands for Grants to parliamentary committees.
Recent Developments
5 developmentsIntegration with PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity and holistic infrastructure planning.
Focus on accelerating project implementation, despite challenges like land acquisition, environmental clearances, and funding constraints.
Emphasis on developing greenfield expressways and access-controlled corridors for faster and safer movement of traffic.
Introduction of digital monitoring systems and GIS-based mapping for better project progress tracking and quality control.
Ongoing development of Phase-I projects and planning for Phase-II, with a continued focus on improving India's Logistics Performance Index.