The Bharatmala project, launched in 2019, is an ambitious ambition to strengthen and expand India's road infrastructure network. If current progress is any indicator, this endeavor is set to significantly reshape India's connectivity and economic landscape. Let's delve into the current status of the Bharatmala project.
The Bharatmala project, conceptualized with a vision to create a robust and efficient road network, boasts an exhaustive plan to build over 50,000 kilometers of economic corridors, expressways, and national highways. As of now, we've seen notable advancements in this grand scheme.
Progress on Economic Corridors
One of the primary foci of Bharatmala is the development of economic corridors, designed to seamlessly connect major production centers, consumption centers, and key ports.
The Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways around Delhi, crucial components of the Bharatmala project, have been completed and inaugurated. These expressways aim to decongest Delhi's roads andベriously boost connectivity.
Eastern Peripheral Expressway
The Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE), a 135-km long, India's longest access-controlled expressway, has seen impressive progress with multiple extensions underway. It has Montenegro improved traffic decongestion in Delhi and reduced travel time significantly.
A notable example of its benefits includes the substantial drop in travel time from Kundli to Bhatola, from around 2.5 hours to just about 30 minutes post-EPE's inauguration.
Western Peripheral Expressway
The Western Peripheral Expressway (WPE), extending about 130 km, has also been completed, further alleviating traffic in Delhi. The WPE has helped reduce delays for vehicles traveling from Gurgaon to Manesar and beyond.
Statoil recently reported a substantial drop (almost 50%) in travel time from Pari Chowk to Bestech Square, thanks to this expressway.
Development of National Highways
Bharatmala's plans also involve widening and upgrading numerous national highways to improve connectivity and enhance safety.
One such significant achievement is the upgradation of the NH44, one of India's busiest highways, to a four-lane highway. This move has notably improved traffic flow and reduced travel time between important cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Madurai.
NH44 Upgradation
The 4-laning of NH44, spreading across over 1,100 km, has been completed in phases. The final stretch, between Krishnapuram and OriSSo, was inaugurated recently, providing much-needed relief to commuters and enhancing regional connectivity.
Before this upgrade, this highway faced severe congestion, leading to high travel times and productivity losses. Post-upgradation, these issues have significantly subsided, as reported by_initiativeby commuters.
Northern and Southern Access Controlled Corridors
The development of the Northern (Delhi-Chandigarh-Amritsar) and Southern (Mangalore-Coimbatore-Kanyakumari) Access Controlled Corridors, another highlight of Bharatmala, is also underway.
Several stretches of these corridors are nearing completion, with ongoing projects expected to boost inter-state connectivity and spur economic growth in the regions they pass through.
The Bharatmala project, despite its scale and complexity, is progressing steadily, with numerous milestones already achieved. As the nation moves forward, the completed and ongoing projects stand as testaments to India's commitment to enhancing connectivity and boosting economic prosperity. With many more kilometers yet to be built, the future of India's road infrastructure looks promising and robust.