The government is set to inject fresh energy into the construction of highways across the nation with a whopping new plan.
Reports suggest the government is developing a groundbreaking scheme with a budget of Rs 20 lakh crore to revamp the country’s highways, possibly replacing the second phase of the Bharatmala program. This ambitious project is slated to span the next two decades.
50,000 Kilometers of New Highways
As per insights from government insiders cited in a Mint report, the new strategy aligns closely with the Vision 2047 initiative.
Under Vision 2047, the government aims to construct 50,000 kilometers of highways, encompassing approximately 30,000 to 35,000 kilometers of fully enclosed expressways, incurring a cost exceeding Rs 20 lakh crore.
Commenced Six Years Ago
Notably, the government had initiated the Bharatmala Scheme back in 2017 to expedite highway development throughout the country.
The first phase of Bharatmala focused on erecting 34,800 kilometers of highways. It sought to enhance connectivity among various industrial corridors by linking existing road infrastructure.
What About the Second Phase?
The much-anticipated second phase of the Bharatmala Yojana was slated for approval this year.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had prepared a proposal for swift Cabinet approval, envisioning the construction of around 5,000 kilometers of enclosed highways, estimated at a cost of Rs 3 lakh crore.
Current Developments
Presently, the ministry is contemplating scrapping Bharatmala Stage-2 in favor of a fresh scheme, aligning with the Vision 2047 blueprint.
To accomplish this, new road routes are being identified, and detailed project reports (DPR) are under preparation following the completion of the greenfield project.
Sources suggest the ministry may soon present the new scheme to the Cabinet for approval, although no official information has been disclosed regarding the proposed project as of now.
