Synopsis
The Setu Bharatam scheme, initiated on March 4, 2016, aims to eliminate railway crossings on national highways, enhancing road safety and reducing travel delays, showcasing the government's commitment to infrastructure modernization.Key Takeaways
- Launch Date: March 4, 2016
- Accident Reduction: 50% drop in accident rates
- Highway Expansion: 60% growth in National Highway network
- Overbridges Built: Hundreds constructed
- Global Rank: Second-largest road network
New Delhi, March 4 (NationPress) The central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has launched numerous transformative projects that have brought about significant changes across various sectors that had been overlooked for years.
One such remarkable initiative is the Setu Bharatam scheme, which was inaugurated on March 4, 2016. This comprehensive project aims to eliminate railway crossings along national highways, a step that notably reduces travel delays and enhances road safety.
As part of this initiative, the government has constructed hundreds of railway overbridges and underbridges, effectively alleviating traffic congestion caused by railway crossings.
The removal of these crossings has markedly improved travel speeds on highways, minimizing unnecessary delays for commuters.
In addition to boosting speed, this initiative has positively affected road safety, achieving a remarkable 50% reduction in accident rates on these routes.
This project embodies the Prime Minister's vision to modernize India’s infrastructure and ensure safer roads for all users.
The Setu Bharatam initiative has not only facilitated smoother traffic flow but has also played a vital role in the overall enhancement of India’s road infrastructure, ensuring more efficient, safe, and rapid travel for everyone.
The Setu Bharatam project exemplifies the government's dedication to upgrading the nation’s transportation system, benefiting millions of citizens daily.
Moreover, India’s National Highway network has experienced an impressive 60% increase over the last decade, expanding from 91,287 km in 2014 to 146,195 km in 2024, making it the second-largest road network globally.
This substantial growth underscores the nation's advancements in infrastructure, as detailed in the year-end review by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, published on January 9.
A key milestone in this evolution is the expansion of National High-Speed Corridors, which have risen from just 93 km in 2014 to 2,474 km in 2024.
The rapid advancement of highways has been bolstered by the Centre’s policies, especially flagship programs like the Bharatmala Pariyojana.
Additionally, 2,540 km of highways have been added through Externally Aided Projects (EAP) with financial support from the World Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and Asian Development Bank (ADB) as of November 30, 2024.
