What Is the Main Objective of Bharatmala Pariyojana? Objectives & Key Projects
Launched in 2017, Bharatmala Pariyojana is a flagship infrastructure programme of the Government of India aimed at transforming the country’s national highway network. The project adopts a corridor-based development approach to improve connectivity between economic hubs, industrial clusters, ports, border areas, and backward regions.
Spanning 34,800 km and covering 580+ districts, Bharatmala focuses on reducing travel time, lowering logistics costs, improving road safety, and supporting long-term economic growth through modern highway infrastructure.
Main Objective of Bharatmala Pariyojana
The main objective of Bharatmala Pariyojana is to develop and modernize India’s national highway network by improving connectivity, reducing travel time and logistics costs, and supporting economic growth through efficient, safe, and high-capacity road infrastructure.
This objective directly supports:
- Faster freight and passenger movement
- Better integration of economic corridors
- Lower transportation costs for industries and exports
Objectives of Bharatmala Pariyojana
The key objectives of Bharatmala Pariyojana are:
- To develop 34,800 km of national highway corridors
- To reduce logistics costs across India
- To improve inter-regional and inter-state connectivity
- To connect ports, borders, industrial hubs, and backward regions
- To enhance road safety, speed, and travel efficiency
- To support Make in India, exports, and industrial growth
Key Components of Bharatmala Pariyojana
1. Economic Corridors
About 9,000 km of economic corridors are being developed to connect major industrial and commercial centers.
Example:
The Delhi–Mumbai Expressway significantly reduces travel time between India’s two largest economic hubs, boosting trade, logistics efficiency, and regional development.
2. Inter-Corridors and Feeder Roads
This component covers around 6,000 km and links economic corridors with production and consumption centers.
Example:
The Eastern Peripheral Expressway diverts heavy traffic away from Delhi, reduces congestion, and improves access to surrounding industrial regions.
3. National Corridor Efficiency Improvement
Nearly 5,000 km of existing national corridors are being upgraded to improve capacity and performance.
Example:
Upgrades to NH-44, India’s longest north–south highway, include widening, better pavement quality, and improved safety features.
4. Border and International Connectivity Roads
Around 2,000 km of roads focus on strengthening connectivity with neighboring countries.
Example:
The Jogbani–Biratnagar Road improves cross-border trade and movement between India and Nepal.
5. Coastal and Port Connectivity Roads
Another 2,000 km is dedicated to connecting ports and coastal areas with inland regions.
Example:
Improvements to the Mumbai–Goa Highway enhance port access and support maritime trade and tourism.
6. Expressways
Approximately 800 km of high-speed, access-controlled expressways are part of Bharatmala.
Example:
The Mumbai–Nagpur Expressway (Samruddhi Mahamarg) drastically reduces travel time and boosts connectivity across Maharashtra.
7. Greenfield Access-Controlled Corridors
Over 9,100 km of new greenfield expressways and access-controlled corridors are being developed.
Example:
The Delhi–Vadodara Greenfield Expressway bypasses congested urban areas, offering faster and safer long-distance travel.
Vision Behind Bharatmala Pariyojana
Bharatmala Pariyojana goes beyond road construction. Its broader vision is to create a seamless, efficient, and future-ready transport network that supports India’s economic and social development.
The vision includes:
- Creating a Comprehensive Highway Network: Linking various regions to ensure smooth and efficient connectivity across the country.
- Optimizing Existing Routes: Improving travel speeds and reducing congestion through upgraded infrastructure.
- Enhancing Transportation Efficiency: Facilitating better movement of goods and people to support economic activities.
- Promoting Economic Growth: Improving regional accessibility and supporting overall development.
- Strengthening Connectivity: Boosting trade and connectivity with neighboring countries and coastal regions.
Major Major Projects Under Bharatmala Pariyojana
| Project Name | States / Regions Connected | Current Status | Key Purpose & Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi–Mumbai Expressway | Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra | Under phased completion | India’s flagship expressway that significantly reduces travel time between the national capital and the financial capital, improving logistics efficiency, freight movement, and economic integration. |
| Amritsar–Bhatinda–Jamnagar Corridor | Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat | Under construction | A strategic economic corridor supporting energy infrastructure, industrial development, and export-oriented growth by linking northern India with western ports. |
| Ambala–Kotputli Corridor | Haryana, Rajasthan | Operational (since Aug 2022) | Improves inter-state connectivity, reduces congestion on existing routes, and supports regional trade and economic growth between Haryana and Rajasthan. |
Technological Advancements in Bharatmala Projects
Bharatmala uses modern planning and execution technologies, including:
- Automatic traffic surveys
- Satellite mapping and GIS tools
- Data-driven corridor identification
- Advanced pavement and safety design standards
These technologies ensure better alignment planning, cost efficiency, and long-term durability.
Mobility Vision and Multimodal Integration
Bharatmala supports India’s broader multimodal transport vision by reducing logistics costs and improving freight efficiency.
Key initiatives include:
- 35 Multimodal Logistics Parks across India
- Passenger intermodal hubs in Varanasi, Nagpur, and Katra
- Better integration of roads with railways, ports, and inland waterways
Quick Questions & Answers
Q1. What is Bharatmala Pariyojana?
A centrally sponsored highway development program launched in 2017 to improve national highway connectivity.
Q2. What is the main objective of Bharatmala Pariyojana?
To develop and modernize national highways, reduce logistics costs, and improve connectivity.
Q3. Which ministry launched Bharatmala Pariyojana?
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
Q4. Is Bharatmala a highway or expressway project?
It includes highways, expressways, economic corridors, border roads, and port connectivity roads.
