Context
The government has delayed the timeline for the completion of the primary highway development initiative, Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-I, to 2027-28, extending it by six years from the initial schedule.
Objectives of Bharatmala Pariyojana:
- Enhance road connectivity and reduce travel time across the country.
- Boost economic development by fostering efficient transportation networks.
- Strengthen national security through improved border infrastructure.
- Facilitate smoother movement of goods, promoting trade and commerce.

Features of Bharatmala Pariyojana:
- Comprehensive Road Network: Develop and upgrade 65 thousand km of highways, including economic corridors and inter-corridors.
- Multimodal Connectivity: Integrate road, rail, and waterways to create a seamless transport network.
- Border and Coastal Roads: Strengthen infrastructure along borders and coastlines to enhance security and connectivity, especially in north eastern region.
- Employment Generation: Generate substantial employment opportunities through extensive construction and maintenance activities.
Challenges and Probable Solutions:
Challenges:
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Probable Solutions:
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- Land Acquisition: Delays and disputes in acquiring land for road projects hinder progress.
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- Streamlined Land Acquisition: Implement transparent and efficient land acquisition processes to reduce delays and disputes.
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- Funding Constraints: Insufficient funds may impede the ambitious project's timely execution.
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- Diversified Funding Sources: Explore innovative financing models and public-private partnerships to address funding constraints.
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- Environmental Concerns: Balancing infrastructure needs with environmental conservation poses challenges.
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- Sustainable Practices: Integrate eco-friendly technologies and practices to balance development goals with environmental preservation.
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- Coordination Issues: Ensuring seamless coordination among multiple agencies involved is crucial for smooth implementation.
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- Integrated Project Management: Enhance coordination mechanisms and establish robust communication channels for effective collaboration among agencies involved.
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