Bharatmala Pariyojana to Triple National Highway Income
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) in India is expecting a significant increase in income from national highways once the Bharatmala Pariyojana project is completed. This ambitious project aims to develop and expand the country's road network, connecting various key economic areas and enhancing transportation infrastructure.
The Bharatmala Pariyojana project is a centrally-funded initiative with an estimated investment of over ?5.3 lakh crore. It focuses on constructing around 35,000 kilometers of new highways, including economic corridors, inter-corridor routes, and feeder routes, among others. This extensive network aims to improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and facilitate smoother movement of goods and services across the country.
The project aims to triple the income generated from national highways by developing them as world-class roads with advanced features. The improved infrastructure will attract more traffic, including commercial vehicles, leading to increased toll collections and associated revenue. This additional income can then be utilized for further development and maintenance of the highway network.
Apart from the economic benefits, Bharatmala Pariyojana also aims to enhance regional connectivity, promote tourism, and provide better access to remote areas for social welfare programs. The project intends to improve transportation efficiency, reduce logistics costs, and stimulate economic growth by connecting production centers to consumption centers efficiently.
Under the ambitious project, priority has been given to the completion of pending road projects, particularly those of strategic importance. By prioritizing these projects, logistical challenges, road fatalities, and traffic congestion can be effectively addressed. The development of upgradable corridors would also ease the traffic burden on existing highways, ensuring smoother movement of vehicles.
Moreover, the project emphasizes leveraging innovative funding mechanisms such as public-private partnerships (PPPs) and asset monetization to attract investments. This approach will not only ease the financial burden on the government but also bring in private expertise and efficiency in project execution.
The completion of Bharatmala Pariyojana is expected to revolutionize India's road infrastructure, fostering economic growth, and attracting investment. With a focus on generating triple the income from national highways, the project sets the stage for a well-connected and economically robust nation.