Parliament Question: Bharatmala Pariyojana in the National Highway network

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO - 2981 ANSWERED ON - 18/03/2026 BHARATMALA PARIYOJANA IN THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY NETWORK 2981. SHRI IRANNA KADADI: Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS be pleased to state:- (a) what progress has been achieved under Bharatmala Pariyojana in expanding the national highway network, details thereof; (b) whether green highway initiatives have been implemented to promote sustainable construction practices, if so, the details thereof and if not, reasons therefor; (c) how multimodal logistics integration has improved freight movement efficiency, details thereof; and (d) to what extent accident reduction measures have been adopted on newly constructed highways, the details thereof? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI) (a) Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-I was approved by the Government in 2017 covering a length of 34,800 km across the country at an estimated outlay of Rs.5,35,000 Crore. Under the program, projects covering a total length of 26,425 km have been awarded and out of this, 22,223 km has already been constructed upto February 2026. (b) As a part of Green Highways, Government undertakes plantation activities along the available Right of Way and medians of National Highways (including projects under Bharatmala Pariyojana) wherever feasible, in accordance with the Green Highways (Plantation, Transplantation, Beautification and Maintenance) Policy, 2015 and Indian Road Congress (IRC):SP:21-2009, with emphasis on native species having high survival rate and carbon absorption capacity. (c) Multimodal logistics integration has enhanced the efficiency of freight movement in the country by facilitating seamless connectivity among different modes of transport. Further, digital platforms and integrated planning under initiatives such as the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan have enabled improved coordination, planning, and monitoring of infrastructure projects across various transport modes.Development of Multimodal Logistics Parks (MMLPs) provides modern logistics infrastructure such as mechanized warehousing, inter-modal transfer facilities, container terminals, value-added services, and freight aggregation hubs. By enabling consolidation of cargo, reducing multiple handling points, and facilitating seamless modal transfers, MMLPs help in improving turnaround time, reducing congestion on highways, and lowering logistics costs. Additionally, improved highway connectivity to ports, industrial corridors, and economic clusters under programmes such as Bharatmala Pariyojana has further strengthened the freight movement network. (d) All construction of National Highways are undertaken considering various accident reduction measures such as provision of grade separated structure, service road/slip road as well as various road safety measures in accordance with relevant IRC Standards and Specifications. *****