Bharatmala Phase I: 22,700 km Completed, Rajasthan Top Performer
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Economy
Why in news
India has completed over 22,700 km of highways under Bharatmala Phase I, with the government sharing progress data in Lok Sabha. Rajasthan stands out as a top performer, completing 96% of its awarded network. This update highlights the ongoing infrastructure push and its impact on connectivity and logistics.
Background
Bharatmala Pariyojana is a flagship highway development programme launched in 2017 to build 60,000 km of national highways across India. Phase I was approved in 2017 with a target of 34,800 km and an investment of Rs 5.35 lakh crore, focusing on improving freight corridors, connectivity, and reducing logistics costs.
Key facts
22,709 km of highways completed out of 26,425 km awarded under Bharatmala Phase I, achieving nearly 86% execution.
Phase I approved in 2017 with a target of 34,800 km and estimated investment of Rs 5.35 lakh crore.
Rajasthan completed 2,264 km out of 2,360 km awarded, leaving only 96 km under construction.
Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh account for the largest share of highway construction.
In 2025-26, Rajasthan received approvals for 508 km of national highway projects worth Rs 9,222 crore.
36 highway projects (over 600 km) are under construction in Rajasthan; 63 projects (over 2,100 km) completed in the past three years.
An impact assessment by IIM Bengaluru found improved connectivity to markets, schools, and healthcare, reduced logistics costs and travel time, and higher household incomes.
Delays persist due to land acquisition, environmental clearances, utility relocation, encroachments, material shortages, and contractor issues.
Government has digitised land acquisition via Bhoomi Rashi portal, streamlined environmental approvals via Parivesh, and strengthened monitoring via PRAGATI and Project Monitoring Group.
Prelims pointers
- Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase I: approved 2017, target 34,800 km, investment Rs 5.35 lakh crore.
- Overall Bharatmala programme: 60,000 km of national highways.
- Union Minister: Nitin Gadkari (Road Transport and Highways).
- Bhoomi Rashi portal: for land acquisition digitisation.
- Parivesh: for environmental approvals.
- PRAGATI platform: for project monitoring.
- Project Monitoring Group: for addressing bottlenecks.
- IIM Bengaluru: conducted impact assessment.
- Rajasthan: top performer with 96% completion.
- Lok Sabha: where data was shared.
Mains angles
- GS3 Infrastructure: Evaluate the progress and challenges of Bharatmala Phase I in improving road connectivity and logistics.
- GS3 Economy: Discuss the role of highway development in reducing logistics costs and boosting economic growth.
- GS2 Governance: Examine the effectiveness of digital platforms like Bhoomi Rashi and PRAGATI in addressing project implementation bottlenecks.
- GS3 Environment: Analyse the trade-offs between infrastructure development and environmental clearances.