BHARAT MALA (Garland of India): 5000 Km road network by Modi

The government is proposing a scheme called Bharat Mala which translates to “The Garland of India”. The scheme envisages 5,000 km of roads - both construction and upgrades - for Rs 12,000 crore. The road network will stretch from Gujarat in the west to Mizoram in the east and cover 10 other states. [1]

Union Roads Transport & Highways Secretary Vijay Chhibber told Business Standard: "This project will provide enhanced road connectivity to different border regions in a structured fashion. It will go a long way in increasing accessibility to border-hugging regions of the nation." [2]

If former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's scheme of building Golden Quadrilateral gave a fillip to the highway construction in the country, the new plan will connect all untouched areas in the hinterland to push development and economic activities. [3]

The road network will pass through all bordering states - Nepal, Bangladesh, China, Pakistan and Bhutan - besides covering the vast coastline. [4]

Bharat Mala probably takes a cue from Sagar Mala, the project through which the government plans to construct a string of ports in the Indian Ocean to protect maritime interests. “These will provide connectivity to the huge number of ports, which will be part of the 'Sagar Mala' project. Once completed, these will provide seamless connectivity along the borders, which is crucial for strategic reasons," said a ministry official. [5]

The government plans to take construction of roads in a phased manner after detailed project reports and feasibility studies. The roads ministry is also looking at tapping the expertise of Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for the tougher terrains. [6]

BRO helps construct, maintain and operate the border roads. While its administrative control rests with the defence ministry, its budgetary allocation is under the road ministry. [7]

According to sources, Rajasthan is likely to get a maximum of about 1,000 km road network under this scheme. While Tamil Nadu and Odisha will also get substantial portion. The roads will provide connectivity from Gujarat in the west to Mizoram in the northeast and across all other major states. [8]

Bharat Mala has economic and strategic significance. Strategically, it provides the armed forces easier access to the border areas. Trade possibilities with neighboring countries via the land route also improve. [9]

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