The Bharatmala Pariyojana, launched by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, is an umbrella highways sector program aiming to optimize the efficiency of freight and passenger movement across the country. Originally planned to be completed earlier, Phase 1 has been extended by six years to 2027-28. This extension isn’t just a deadline shift; it’s a strategic move to ensure comprehensive coverage and efficiency.
Objectives
- Optimize Freight and Passenger Movement: By bridging critical infrastructure gaps, the program aims to create seamless connectivity for both goods and people.
- Enhance Connectivity in the Northeast: Special focus on integrating the northeastern states with the rest of the country.
- Develop Multimodal Logistics Parks: Improving existing corridors’ efficiency through integrated facilities that boost logistics and supply chain mechanisms.
Key Features
- Satellite Mapping: Utilization of satellite imagery to identify corridors needing upgrades, ensuring precise and efficient planning.
- Automated Traffic Surveys: Over 1,500 points across the nation use technology-based surveys for accurate traffic assessments.
- Origin-Destination Freight Studies: Comprehensive analysis across 600 districts to understand and optimize freight movement patterns.
Components of Bharatmala Phase-1
- Economic Corridors (9,000 km): Unlocking economic potential by connecting vital production and consumption centers.
- Inter-Corridor and Feeder Routes (6,000 km): Ensuring holistic connectivity by linking corridors and enhancing accessibility.
- National Corridors Efficiency Improvement (5,000 km): Upgrading existing corridors for smoother and faster transit.
- Border Roads and International Connectivity (2,000 km): Boosting connectivity to border areas and neighboring countries, vital for strategic and economic reasons.
- Coastal Roads and Port Connectivity (2,000 km): Leveraging India’s coastline to enhance trade and promote regional development.
- Greenfield Expressways (800 km): Building new, high-speed expressways for faster movement and reduced congestion.
- Balance NHDP Works (10,000 km): Completing pending projects under the National Highways Development Project to ensure all-around connectivity.
Why the Extension?
The extension to 2027-28 allows for:
- Comprehensive Planning: Time to address challenges like land acquisition, environmental clearances, and funding.
- Technological Integration: Implementing advanced construction technologies and materials for durability and efficiency.
- Enhanced Stakeholder Collaboration: Coordinating with states, private players, and international partners for seamless execution.
Impact on Socio-Economic Factors
- Economic Growth: Improved roads reduce transportation costs, boost trade, and attract investments.
- Employment Generation: Massive infrastructure projects create jobs in construction, engineering, and ancillary sectors.
- Regional Development: Enhanced connectivity leads to the development of remote areas, reducing regional disparities.
- Environmental Considerations: Emphasis on sustainable practices minimizes ecological impact while promoting green corridors.
Strategic Significance for UPSC Aspirants
- Infrastructure Development: A key topic in General Studies Paper III, focusing on economic development and inclusive growth.
- Government Policies and Interventions: Understanding Bharatmala provides insights into policy formulation and implementation challenges.
- International Relations: Border roads and international connectivity tie into India’s relations with neighboring countries.
- Environmental Ethics: Balancing development with sustainability is crucial, touching upon issues in ethics and environmental governance.
Additional Nuggets for Enriched Understanding
- Multimodal Logistics Parks (MMLPs): These are integral to Bharatmala, acting as freight aggregation and distribution hubs. MMLPs aim to reduce logistics costs from the current 13-14% of GDP to about 8%.
- Technological Advancements: Use of drones for project monitoring, GPS-enabled toll collection, and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).
- Financing the Project: A mix of budgetary allocations, market borrowings, private investments, and toll-operate-transfer (TOT) models.
Looking Ahead
- Act East Policy Synergy: Enhancing connectivity with Southeast Asian countries through the Northeast.
- Digital Connectivity: Integrating fiber optic cables along highways to boost digital infrastructure.
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Contributing to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
