<h4>Understanding Bharatmala Pariyojana</h4><p>The <strong>Bharatmala Pariyojana</strong> is an ambitious umbrella program for highways sector in India. It aims to optimize the efficiency of freight and passenger movement across the country.</p><p>The program focuses on addressing critical infrastructure gaps. This ensures seamless connectivity and integration of various transport modes.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Bharatmala Pariyojana</strong> is a centrally sponsored and funded road and highways project of the Government of India. It was launched in <strong>2017</strong>.</p></div><h4>Core Objectives of Bharatmala</h4><p>Bharatmala's primary goal is to enhance the effectiveness of already built infrastructure. It also seeks to integrate various modes of transport for improved logistics.</p><p>A key objective is to bridge existing infrastructure gaps. This facilitates smoother movement of goods and people across different regions.</p><p>The program also focuses on integrating <strong>National Corridors</strong> and <strong>Economic Corridors</strong>. This ensures a cohesive and efficient road network throughout India.</p><div class='exam-tip-box'><p>For <strong>UPSC Mains GS-III</strong>, understanding Bharatmala's objectives is crucial for questions on infrastructure, economic development, and logistics.</p></div><h4>Six Key Features of Bharatmala Pariyojana</h4><p>The Bharatmala Pariyojana is structured around six distinct, yet interconnected, components. These features collectively aim to transform India's road infrastructure.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p>The program's design ensures a holistic approach to road development, covering various types of routes and connectivity needs.</p></div><ul><li><strong>Economic Corridors:</strong> These are high-density traffic routes identified for upgrade. They are crucial for accelerating economic growth by improving connectivity between major economic hubs.</li><li><strong>Inter-corridor and Feeder routes:</strong> These routes supplement the economic corridors. They ensure last-mile connectivity and facilitate efficient movement of goods to and from the main corridors.</li><li><strong>National Corridor Efficiency Improvement:</strong> This component focuses on decongesting existing national corridors. It involves widening, improving geometrics, and building bypasses to enhance traffic flow.</li><li><strong>Border and International Connectivity Roads:</strong> These roads aim to improve connectivity to international borders and neighboring countries. They are vital for trade, security, and regional integration.</li><li><strong>Coastal and Port Connectivity Roads:</strong> This feature focuses on improving road access to ports and coastal areas. It supports the <strong>Sagarmala Pariyojana</strong> and boosts coastal shipping and trade.</li><li><strong>Green-field Expressways:</strong> Construction of new, high-speed access-controlled expressways. These are designed to reduce travel time and enhance safety, often bypassing congested urban areas.</li></ul>