Bharatmala Phase I Delayed: Completion in 2027-28

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has updated the timeline for the Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-I, with completion now expected by 2027-28. The revised timeline, detailed in the ministry's 2023-24 annual report, comes as the flagship project exceeds its initial expenditure limits and awaits approval of a revised financial proposal.

Phase-I of Bharatmala Pariyojana, spanning 34,800 km across 31 states and Union Territories, has made substantial progress. To date, 26,425 km of the project has been awarded, and 17,411 km has been constructed. The project aims to develop key economic corridors and enhance road freight efficiency by improving around 26,000 km of routes, including the Golden Quadrilateral (GQ) and North-South and East-West (NS-EW) Corridors.

Originally budgeted at ₹6,92,324 crore, the project will be financed through a combination of sources, including the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund, additional budgetary support, and private sector investment. Rising costs and land acquisition challenges have necessitated a revised financial proposal.

MoRTH's Vision 2047 plan envisions high-speed corridors within 100-150 km of all citizens, enhancing passenger convenience with top-tier amenities. This ambitious goal reflects the government's commitment to transforming India's national highways infrastructure.

News by Rahul Yelligetti