India’s Bharatmala Pariyojana is a massive road-building project launched in 2017 to transform the country’s highways. Managed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, it aims to build 34,800 km of roads across 31 states and union territories, connecting over 550 districts. With a budget now exceeding ₹10.64 lakh crore, the project has faced delays and cost overruns but has made significant progress, with 18,714 km constructed by October 2024. From economic corridors to coastal roads, it’s designed to boost trade, tourism, and connectivity. As of June 22, 2025, here’s the latest on this ambitious plan.
Overview of Bharatmala Pariyojana
Bharatmala Pariyojana is India’s second-largest highway project, aiming to create a strong network of roads to move goods and people faster. Launched in 2017, Phase I was initially set to finish by 2022 but is now expected to wrap up by 2027-28 due to delays from land acquisition and environmental clearances. The project covers 26,000 km of economic corridors, 8,000 km of inter-corridors, and 7,500 km of feeder routes. It also includes ring roads, bypasses, and expressways to ease traffic in busy cities. With ₹4.72 lakh crore spent by October 2024, it’s a game-changer for India’s infrastructure, creating millions of jobs and linking remote areas.
Goals and Vision
The main goal is to improve road connectivity across India, making travel smoother and cheaper. It focuses on reducing logistics costs, cutting congestion, and connecting far-off areas like the Northeast. The project aligns with schemes like Sagarmala to boost trade and supports India’s Vision 2047 for world-class highways.
Funding and Budget
The project’s cost has ballooned from ₹5.35 lakh crore to ₹10.64 lakh crore due to rising land and material costs. Funding comes from fuel cess (₹2.37 lakh crore), tolls, market borrowings, and private investments. A revised financial plan is under review to address overruns.
Progress and Achievements
As of March 2024, 17,411 km of highways have been built, with 26,425 km awarded for construction. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has invested ₹4.59 lakh crore so far. Major projects like the Delhi-Meerut Expressway and Chenani-Nashri Tunnel are complete, easing travel and freight movement. The project has created over 45 crore man-days of jobs, boosting local economies. Despite delays, the government has streamlined land acquisition and dispute resolution to speed things up. Regular reviews with states ensure progress, with 2027-28 as the new target for Phase I completion.
Completed Projects
Key completed stretches include the Eastern Peripheral Expressway and Narmada Bridge, reducing traffic in Delhi and Gujarat. These projects have cut travel times significantly, with the Delhi-Meerut Expressway slashing journeys from 2 hours to 45 minutes. Over 15,000 km were completed by November 2023.
Job Creation
Bharatmala has generated 45 crore man-days of direct employment and 57 crore indirect jobs. Construction in rural areas has provided work for locals, while new roads have spurred small businesses like shops and dhabas along highways, uplifting communities.
Key Components of the Project
Bharatmala focuses on six types of roads: economic corridors, inter-corridors, feeder routes, national corridor improvements, border and international connectivity, and coastal/port connectivity. Economic corridors (26,000 km) handle heavy freight, while inter-corridors and feeder routes ensure last-mile access. The project also builds 28 ring roads and bypasses to decongest cities like Delhi and Chennai. Tunnels, flyovers, and elevated corridors are included to improve safety and speed. Integration with logistics parks and waterways, especially in the Northeast, aims to make transport seamless. This hub-and-spoke model supports bigger trucks for hub-to-hub routes and smaller ones for local connectivity.
Economic Corridors
These 26,000 km of roads connect major production and consumption centers, like Delhi to Mumbai. About 9,000 km are under construction in Phase I, designed to handle 80% of India’s freight traffic, reducing costs for businesses.
Northeast Connectivity
Bharatmala prioritizes the Northeast, connecting seven state capitals and seven Brahmaputra waterway terminals. Over 190 projects spanning 3,856 km are underway, costing ₹81,540 crore, to improve access to remote areas and boost trade with neighboring countries.
Challenges and Delays
Bharatmala has faced hurdles like land acquisition disputes, environmental clearances, and rising costs. In Bihar, farmers’ protests over compensation delayed projects like the Varanasi-Ranchi-Kolkata Expressway. Forest clearances in Jharkhand slowed work, while the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted timelines. The budget has doubled due to higher land prices and material costs. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) flagged deficiencies in tender processes and cost overruns exceeding 40% in some cases. The government is now ensuring land is secured before awarding contracts and coordinating with states to resolve disputes faster. No new projects are being added to focus on completing Phase I.
Land Acquisition Issues
Acquiring land, especially in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, has been tough. Farmers in Kaimur district halted work until compensation was doubled. Streamlined processes and better coordination with states are helping, but delays persist in some areas.
Environmental Concerns
Forest clearances in Jharkhand and elsewhere caused setbacks. A 5-km tunnel in Kaimur, Bihar, was planned to reduce environmental impact. Road transport contributes 12% of India’s CO2 emissions, pushing the need for greener designs like greenfield expressways.
Economic and Social Impact
Bharatmala is reshaping India’s economy by cutting logistics costs and boosting trade. Roads carry 65% of freight and 85% of passenger traffic, contributing 3.6% to GDP. Faster routes like the Varanasi-Kolkata Expressway will help industries in Jharkhand and West Bengal reach ports quicker. Tourism is growing in areas like Rajrappa temple in Jharkhand, thanks to better access. However, road projects have displaced communities, and poor resettlement has raised concerns. Safety is another issue, with over 150,000 road fatalities in 2021. The project aims to address this with safer designs like elevated corridors. Real estate along new highways is booming, attracting businesses and investors.
Trade and Industry Growth
Economic corridors like Indore-Hyderabad are speeding up goods transport, benefiting industries like steel and agriculture. Faster port access in Kolkata and Haldia is boosting exports, making businesses more competitive.
Tourism and Real Estate
New roads are making tourist spots more accessible, driving visitors to places like Varanasi and Ramgarh. Property values near expressways are rising as businesses and residents move closer to these high-speed corridors.
Future Plans and Phase II
Phase I is now focused on completion by 2027-28, with no new projects being added due to budget constraints. Phase II, planned for 48,000 km, is on hold but aims to further expand highways by 2024-30. The government is exploring new funding models like the Hybrid Annuity Model and Toll-Operate-Transfer to attract private investment. Integration with schemes like Sagarmala and BharatNet will enhance multi-modal transport. The Vision 2047 plan aims to bring high-speed corridors within 100-150 km of every citizen. Regular reviews and better planning are being prioritized to avoid past mistakes. We’ll keep you updated on Phase II developments and completion timelines.
New Funding Models
To manage costs, the government is using models like Hybrid Annuity and Infrastructure Investment Trusts. Private sector investment of ₹1.06 lakh crore is planned for Phase I, with toll collections and market borrowings also key.
Vision 2047
The Ministry’s Vision 2047 aims to make high-speed roads accessible to all, with world-class amenities like rest stops and EV charging stations. Bharatmala’s focus on greenfield expressways and logistics parks will support this long-term goal.
Controversies and Criticisms
The Bharatmala project has faced criticism for mismanagement and inefficiencies. A 2023 CAG report highlighted tender violations and non-compliance with outcome goals, raising questions about transparency. Posts on X have called it a “highway to hell” due to cost overruns and delays. Some argue the focus on highways overshadows rural road needs under schemes like PMGSY. Safety concerns persist, with poorly designed roads contributing to accidents. The government is addressing these by improving tender processes and prioritizing safety features like flyovers. Public trust remains a challenge, but efforts to streamline operations continue. Stay tuned for updates on how these issues are resolved.
CAG Findings
The CAG report flagged cost overruns of over 40% in some projects and tender irregularities. It criticized the lack of a robust maintenance framework, which could double long-term costs if not addressed.
Public Sentiment
Posts on X reflect frustration over delays and costs, with some calling Bharatmala a symbol of inefficiency. However, others praise its potential to transform travel and trade, showing mixed feelings about the project’s progress.
What’s Next for Bharatmala
With Phase I targeting completion by 2027-28, the focus is on finishing ongoing work. Key expressways like Delhi-Dehradun and Varanasi-Ranchi-Kolkata are nearing major milestones. The government is working with states to clear bottlenecks and ensure timely delivery. Phase II’s planning is underway, but funding and priorities will decide its scope. The project’s success could redefine India’s infrastructure, making travel faster and boosting the economy. We’ll bring you the latest as construction progresses and new announcements are made.
Upcoming Milestones
Projects like the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway are set to open by mid-2025, cutting travel time to 2.5 hours. The Varanasi-Ranchi-Kolkata Expressway is also advancing, with completion expected by 2027.
Long-Term Impact
Bharatmala could transform India into a logistics hub, connecting ports, industries, and tourist spots. By reducing travel times and costs, it will support economic growth and make remote areas more accessible for years to come.
