Context:
The government has extended the deadline for the completion of the flagship highway development project, Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-I, to 2027-28. This decision comes in the wake of a significant increase in the estimated cost of the project by over 100%, indicating a slowdown in implementation and financial constraints.
Relevance:
GS II: Government Policies and Interventions
Dimensions of the Article:
- Bharatmala Pariyojana Overview
- Enhancing Project Efficiency: The Way Forward
Bharatmala Pariyojana Overview
Introduction:
- Bharatmala Pariyojana is a comprehensive program initiated by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Phases and Timeline:
- The first phase of Bharatmala was introduced in 2017 with an initial completion target of 2022.
Salient Features:
- Enhanced Effectiveness:
- Focuses on maximizing the efficiency of existing infrastructure.
- Multi-Modal Integration:
- Aims to seamlessly integrate different modes of transportation.
- Bridging Infrastructure Gaps:
- Addresses gaps in infrastructure for smooth movement.
- National and Economic Corridors:
- Integrates both national and economic corridors for comprehensive development.
Key Program Features:
- Economic Corridors Integration:
- Enhances connectivity between economically vital production and consumption centers.
- Inter-Corridor and Feeder Routes:
- Ensures connectivity for the first mile and last mile.
- National Corridor Efficiency Improvement:
- Focuses on lane expansion and decongestion of existing national corridors.
- Border and International Connectivity Roads:
- Improves border road infrastructure for maneuverability and boosts trade with neighboring countries.
- Coastal and Port Connectivity Roads:
- Strengthens connectivity to coastal areas, fostering both tourism and industrial development.
- Green-Field Expressways:
- Introduces expressways to address traffic congestion and enhance efficiency.
Project Status:
- As of November 2023, 42% of the project, equivalent to 15,045 km, has been completed.
Challenges:
- Cost Factors:
- Challenges include the cost of raw materials and increased land acquisition expenses.
- High-Speed Corridor Construction:
- Challenges associated with constructing high-speed corridors.
- Goods and Services Tax (GST) Impact:
- Increased GST rates pose a challenge to the project’s progress.
Enhancing Project Efficiency: The Way Forward
Strategic Procurement:
- Examine Procurement Methods:
- Assess strategic procurement methods for acquiring raw materials at competitive prices.
- Negotiations with Suppliers:
- Actively participate in negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable rates, especially during market fluctuations.
Land Acquisition Practices:
- Efficient and Transparent Practices:
- Implement efficient and transparent land acquisition practices to mitigate compensation disputes.
- Exploration of Alternatives:
- Explore alternatives such as land pooling and community engagement to streamline the land acquisition process.
High-Speed Corridors:
- Thorough Feasibility Studies:
- Conduct comprehensive feasibility studies before incorporating high-speed corridors to ensure their viability.
- Optimized Corridor Designs:
- Optimize corridor designs to strike a balance between functionality and cost-effectiveness.
GST Policies:
- Advocacy for Stability:
- Advocate for stable and predictable GST policies to reduce uncertainties in the project.
- Engagement with Authorities:
- Engage with government authorities to provide industry insights on the potential impact of tax rate changes.
-Source: The Hindu
