Bharatmala Pariyojana, launched in 2017 by PM Narendra Modi, represents India’s largest highway and expressway development programme aimed at creating an integrated road network to boost connectivity, logistics efficiency, and economic growth through a revolutionary corridor-based approach implemented by MoRTH and NHAI.
Key Highlights
- Massive scale achievement: As of March 2025, 26,425 km has been awarded and 19,826 km completed out of the total 34,800 km Phase-I target, with expenditure reaching ₹4.72 lakh crore
- Economic impact generation: The program created an estimated 45 crore man-days of direct employment, 57 crore man-days of indirect employment, and 532 crore man-days of induced employment over the past five years
- Logistics cost reduction: Multi-modal logistics parks under Bharatmala aim to reduce logistics costs from 14% to 8% of GDP by enabling efficient freight movement and seamless transportation
- Corridor-based innovation: Unlike previous project-based approaches, Bharatmala follows a comprehensive corridor strategy connecting 780+ PM GatiShakti economic nodes for integrated development
- Timeline extension reality: Due to cost escalations exceeding 100%, the completion deadline has been extended to 2027-28 from the original 2022 target, with revised financial proposals under Cabinet review. indiabudget
Understanding Bharatmala’s Revolutionary Approach
From Project-Based to Corridor-Based Development
Bharatmala represents a paradigmatic shift from isolated highway construction to comprehensive corridor-based development. This strategic transformation focuses on consistent standards, user convenience, and logistics efficiency rather than addressing merely local congestion. infra.tractorjunction
The corridor-based approach has enabled identification of a 50,000 km network of High-Speed Highway Corridors, designed to support India’s transformation into a $30+ trillion economy by 2047. This integrated methodology creates seamless connectivity between economically important production and consumption centers.
Six Core Components of Bharatmala Phase-I
Economic Corridors Development (9,000 km): These highways are expected to carry 25% of freight traffic in coming years, forming the backbone of India’s logistics network.
Inter-Corridor and Feeder Routes (6,000 km): Ensuring first-mile and last-mile connectivity to maximize the efficiency of economic corridors.
National Corridor Efficiency Improvements (5,000 km): Lane expansion and decongestion of existing National Corridors to enhance capacity and safety.
Border and International Connectivity (2,000 km): Strengthening strategic infrastructure while boosting cross-border trade with neighboring countries.
Coastal and Port Connectivity (2,000 km): Port-led economic development through enhanced connectivity to coastal areas and major ports.
Expressways Development (800 km): High-speed greenfield corridors providing access-controlled highways for efficient long-distance travel.
Implementation Framework and Institutional Structure
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) Leadership
MoRTH serves as the apex implementing authority for Bharatmala, coordinating with multiple agencies including NHAI, NHIDCL, and State PWDs. The ministry has established robust project appraisal mechanisms with differentiated approval processes based on project cost and implementation modality.
Projects under Bharatmala Phase-I are implemented through various agencies: NHAI handles approximately 27,500 km, while the remaining projects are distributed among NHIDCL, MoRTH, and State PWDs.
NHAI’s Operational Excellence
National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has demonstrated unprecedented construction capabilities, achieving 3,979 km of highway construction in FY 2019-20 – the highest ever annual construction since its inception in 1995.
NHAI’s initiatives for accelerating construction include streamlined land acquisition, adequate project preparation, simplified approval processes, and enhanced coordination with other ministries and state governments.
Economic Benefits and Logistics Transformation
Multi-Modal Logistics Parks (MMLP) Revolution
Bharatmala conceptualizes 35 Multi-Modal Logistics Parks as freight aggregation and disaggregation centers to enable seamless freight movement across the country. These MMLPs are designed to handle approximately 700 million metric tonnes of cargo once fully operational.
Key MMLP achievements:
- Jogigopha, Assam MMLPÂ under construction, targeted for completion by December 2023
- Chennai and Indore MMLPs awarded in FY22-23, planned for three-phase development
- 15 priority locations identified for award by FY24-25
PM GatiShakti Integration Benefits
Bharatmala’s alignment with PM GatiShakti National Master Plan enables coordinated infrastructure planning across central and state ministries. 63 National Highway projects have been discussed at the National Planning Group, incorporating recommendations for integrated infrastructure development.
Multi-fold benefits from GatiShakti integration include:
- Improved connectivity to 780+ economic nodes under Bharatmala Phase-I
- Efficient port connectivity to major ports like Vishakhapatnam, JNPT, and Chennai
- High-speed airport connectivity to greenfield airports including Jewar and Navi Mumbai
Financial Architecture and Funding Mechanisms
Original Budget and Cost Escalations
Bharatmala Phase-I was initially estimated at ₹6,92,324 crore over five years (2017-18 to 2021-22). However, cost escalations exceeding 100% have necessitated revised financial proposals currently under Cabinet review.
Funding sources for the original estimate included:
- Central Road and Infrastructure Fund cess: ₹2,37,024 crore
- Additional budgetary support: ₹59,973 crore
- Expected monetization through ToT: ₹34,000 crore
- Toll-Permanent Bridge Fee Fund: ₹46,048 crore
Current Financial Status and Challenges
As of November 2024, total expenditure reached ₹4.72 lakh crore with 26,425 km awarded and 18,926 km completed. The Union Finance Ministry’s directive in 2023 restricted new project awards pending Cabinet approval of revised costs. nhai.gov
Performance Achievements and Impact Assessment
Construction Milestones and Employment Generation
Highway construction pace has shown remarkable acceleration, with 24,050 km of national highways constructed in the last five years. Peak construction reached 13,327 km in FY21, including strengthening of 4,900 km.
Employment impact demonstrates significant socio-economic benefits:
- 45 crore man-days of direct employment
- 57 crore man-days of indirect employment
- 532 crore man-days of induced employment
Network Expansion and Connectivity Enhancement
India’s National Highway network has undergone dramatic transformation, expanding from 91,287 km in 2014 to 146,145 km in 2024 – a 60% increase. This expansion has significantly improved connectivity, reduced travel time, and boosted economic activities across the country.
Greenfield corridor development under Bharatmala provides multiple advantages:
- 21% lower development cost due to crow-flight alignments
- 9% reduction in vehicle operating costs through distance reduction
- Economic impetus to hinterlands through improved connectivity
Technological Integration and Innovation
Advanced Traffic Management Systems
Advanced traffic management systems have been installed on approximately 4,000 km of national highways for efficient traffic management and emergency response. These systems enhance safety and operational efficiency across the highway network.
Digital Infrastructure and Monitoring
MoRTH has developed alignment tools, analytical tools, and reporting mechanisms on the National Master Plan Portal to assist DPR consultants and ministry officials in project preparation and alignment finalization.
Capacity building initiatives include alignment optimization workshops and virtual training sessions to improve adoption of digital planning tools.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Implementation Bottlenecks
Land acquisition complexities and environmental clearances continue to pose significant challenges to project timelines. Rising project costs and inflation in construction materials have contributed to budget overruns.
Coordination challenges among multiple implementing agencies and state-level approvals require enhanced institutional mechanisms for smooth project execution.
Timeline Revisions and Strategic Adjustments
The revised completion timeline of 2027-28 reflects realistic assessment of implementation challenges while maintaining commitment to quality infrastructure development. MoRTH’s Vision 2047 provides long-term guidance for national highways development beyond Bharatmala Phase-I.
Bharatmala Phase-II conceptualization aims to provide National Highway or Expressway connectivity to all major economic nodes identified under the National Master Plan.
Outcome Monitoring and Impact Assessment
Performance Measurement Framework
MoRTH has finalized mechanisms for monitoring outcome parameters of all capacity augmentation projects, including Bharatmala, measured periodically at different intervals. Five key outcome parameters include:
- Impact on macroeconomic indicators
- Improvement in operational efficiency and connectivity
- Impact on social metrics
- Environmental improvements including fuel efficiency
- Road quality and safety enhancements
Conclusion
Bharatmala Pariyojana stands as India’s most ambitious highway development initiative, fundamentally transforming the approach from isolated project construction to integrated corridor development. With 26,425 km awarded and 19,826 km completed, the program demonstrates substantial progress despite timeline extensions and cost escalations.
The corridor-based approach has proven revolutionary in creating seamless connectivity between economic centers while generating massive employment opportunities and reducing logistics costs. Integration with PM GatiShakti and development of Multi-Modal Logistics Parks positions Bharatmala as a catalyst for India’s economic transformation.
Challenges including cost escalations and implementation delays reflect the complexity of mega infrastructure projects but underscore the government’s commitment to quality development over rushed execution. The revised timeline to 2027-28 provides realistic framework for completing this transformational program.
Bharatmala’s success will significantly contribute to India’s vision of becoming a $30 trillion economy by 2047 through enhanced connectivity, reduced logistics costs, and improved economic efficiency across the country.
Practice Questions
- Discuss how Bharatmala Pariyojana aims to transform India’s logistics ecosystem and regional development.
- Evaluate Bharatmala’s corridor-based approach vis-à -vis earlier highway schemes like NHDP.
+ There are no comments
Add yours