India Bharatmala Project Expands 19000 km of Highways
The Bharatmala Pariyojana, India’s largest highway development initiative, has achieved a significant milestone, with over 19,000 km of highways completed as of December 2024. Launched in 2017, the project aims to enhance the nation’s infrastructure by constructing 34,800 km of roads, focusing on improving connectivity, reducing logistics costs, and stimulating economic growth.As of the end of 2024, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways reported that a total of 26,425 km of road projects have been awarded under the Bharatmala scheme, with an estimated capital cost of ₹8.54 lakh crore.
Of these awarded projects, 19,201 km have been successfully constructed, with various road types covered, including national corridors, expressways, border roads, and coastal connectivity roads.The primary objective of the Bharatmala project is to strengthen India’s road infrastructure, facilitating better transportation links between key economic centres and reducing the time and cost involved in logistics. Economic corridors, which account for over 8,700 km, are central to the scheme, alongside expressways and border roads vital for national security and regional connectivity.
A study conducted by IIM Bangalore has highlighted the positive socio-economic impact of the project, citing improvements in household incomes, logistics efficiency, and overall market access. Businesses have experienced enhanced connectivity to factories and markets, while individuals have benefitted from reduced travel times to essential services like schools and hospitals.The project is not just about infrastructural expansion; it is also aimed at improving the quality of life for people, especially in underserved regions, including tribal, aspirational, and Left Wing Extremism-affected areas.
It is set to reduce the travel time between economic hubs, further boosting trade and accessibility across the country.With the development progressing smoothly, experts expect the remaining projects to be completed by the 2027-28 financial year, creating a more connected, efficient, and sustainable transportation network for India. The Bharatmala initiative will play a crucial role in transforming India’s logistics landscape, ultimately contributing to the nation’s economic growth and prosperity.
