Bharatmala Pariyojana, launched in 2017, is India’s ambitious plan to transform its road network, aiming to build 34,800 km of highways to boost trade, travel, and growth. Despite progress, the project faces delays, cost overruns, and criticism, with completion now pushed to 2027. As of June 22, 2025, 19,201 km of the awarded 26,425 km are built, but no new projects are being taken up. This article provides live updates on Bharatmala’s status, key developments, challenges, and its impact on India’s future. It’s a story of big dreams, hard work, and hurdles in building a connected nation.
Project Overview and Goals
Bharatmala Pariyojana, approved in 2017, aims to create 34,800 km of highways, including economic corridors, feeder routes, and expressways. With a budget now at Rs 10.63 lakh crore, it seeks to cut travel time, lower logistics costs, and connect remote areas. The project covers 550 districts, boosting trade, tourism, and jobs. It also includes 35 Multimodal Logistics Parks (MMLPs) to handle 700 million metric tonnes of cargo. Bharatmala supports border and coastal connectivity, aligning with India’s 2047 vision. Despite its grand scope, delays and rising costs have raised concerns, yet it remains a cornerstone of India’s infrastructure push.
Economic Corridors
Economic corridors, spanning 26,000 km, are the heart of Bharatmala, designed to link industrial hubs and markets. These roads aim to speed up goods transport, reduce fuel use, and boost trade. By connecting cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai, they support businesses and create jobs. Progress is steady, but land acquisition issues slow some stretches.
Multimodal Logistics Parks
The 35 planned MMLPs, costing Rs 46,000 crore, aim to streamline cargo movement. These parks combine road, rail, and air transport, cutting logistics costs. Once fully operational, they’ll handle massive cargo volumes, boosting efficiency. Some parks are under construction, but delays in funding and planning have pushed timelines back.
Border and Coastal Connectivity
Bharatmala focuses on roads to borders and ports, enhancing trade and security. These routes connect remote areas like the Northeast and coastal regions, supporting fishermen and exporters. Improved access to ports like Mundra and Chennai cuts shipping times. However, tough terrain and environmental clearances have slowed progress in these areas.
Recent Progress Updates
As of December 31, 2024, 19,201 km of highways are completed out of 26,425 km awarded, costing Rs 8.54 lakh crore. In 2024-25, 1,790 km were built by December. Key stretches, like the Pune-Bengaluru Expressway, are on track for 2028 completion, costing Rs 50,000 crore. The Road Ministry is now monitoring impacts, like travel time and fuel savings, to ensure benefits. However, no new projects are being awarded due to cost concerns, and the focus is on finishing existing ones. The government is pushing for faster construction, but challenges remain. These updates show steady progress but highlight the need for better planning.
Pune-Bengaluru Expressway
The Pune-Bengaluru Expressway, part of Bharatmala, will cut travel time from 15 hours to under 10 by 2028. Costing Rs 50,000 crore, it’s a major link for tech hubs and industries. Construction is ongoing, with land acquisition nearly complete. This project promises to boost trade and tourism between Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Completed Stretches
By December 2024, 19,201 km of highways are done, including parts of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. These roads have improved travel, with users reporting less fuel use and faster trips. Businesses benefit from better market access, but some stretches face maintenance issues, raising concerns about long-term quality.
Monitoring Mechanisms
The Road Ministry has set up a system to track Bharatmala’s impacts, like reduced travel time and user satisfaction. Data is collected regularly to measure economic and social benefits. A recent IIM Bangalore study showed higher household incomes and better logistics, but environmental concerns need more attention.
Challenges and Criticisms
Bharatmala faces big hurdles: costs have doubled from Rs 5.35 lakh crore to Rs 10.63 lakh crore due to land acquisition, raw material prices, and GST hikes. Delays pushed completion from 2022 to 2027. A CAG report flagged cost overruns and alleged corruption, sparking political debates. The Congress party criticized the Dwarka Expressway project, while the government defends its efforts. No new projects are being taken up, slowing momentum. Environmental clearances and tribal land disputes add delays. These issues show Bharatmala’s ambition clashing with practical challenges, raising questions about its management.
Cost Overruns
Rising costs are a major issue. Land acquisition and material prices have driven the budget to Rs 10.63 lakh crore. A CAG report noted irregularities, prompting calls for probes. The government cites external factors like GST increases, but critics argue poor planning is to blame, hurting public trust.
Delays in Execution
Originally set for 2022, Bharatmala’s Phase-I is now delayed to 2027. Only 55% of the approved length is built. Land disputes, slow clearances, and funding gaps are key reasons. These delays frustrate businesses and commuters, who expected faster connectivity, and put pressure on contractors.
Political Controversies
The project has faced political heat. The Congress, citing a CAG report, alleged corruption in projects like the Dwarka Expressway. BJP leaders, including Nitin Gadkari, defend Bharatmala, highlighting its benefits. This back-and-forth has turned the project into a political flashpoint, overshadowing its goals.
Socio-Economic Impacts
Bharatmala has brought real benefits, per an IIM Bangalore study. Household incomes have risen, and businesses enjoy better market access. Schools and hospitals are easier to reach, improving rural life. Logistics costs are down, with faster freight movement. Car sales have spiked, showing economic growth. However, tribal and left-wing extremist areas still need better roads. Environmental concerns, like deforestation, worry activists. Road safety is another issue, with accidents reported on new highways. While Bharatmala drives progress, balancing growth with sustainability is crucial. The government’s new focus on impact reports aims to address these gaps.
Economic Growth
Bharatmala has boosted local economies. Farmers reach markets faster, and factories cut transport costs. Small towns along highways see more business, from shops to hotels. The IIM study noted higher incomes and car sales, but rural areas need more focus to share these gains evenly.
Social Benefits
New roads have made life easier. Kids reach schools quicker, and patients access hospitals faster. Tribal communities in the Northeast benefit from better connectivity, though some areas lag. These changes improve quality of life, but more investment is needed to reach remote villages.
Environmental Concerns
Highway construction has raised red flags. Deforestation and wildlife disruption worry environmentalists. The government promises green measures, but progress is slow. New monitoring systems aim to track environmental impacts, yet critics say more action is needed to protect forests and rivers.
Future of Bharatmala
With no new projects under Bharatmala Pariyojana, the focus is on completing awarded stretches by 2027-28. A new highway program is planned to replace it, aligning with India’s 2047 vision. The government is seeking Cabinet approval for revised costs and may fast-track smaller projects under Rs 1,000 crore. The Pune-Bengaluru Expressway and MMLPs are priorities. However, fixing delays, costs, and environmental issues is key. Public pressure for transparency grows, especially after CAG reports. Bharatmala’s success depends on better management and trust. Its legacy could shape India’s infrastructure for decades if challenges are met head-on.
New Highway Program
A new mega highway plan is in the works to replace Bharatmala, focusing on greenfield expressways costing Rs 4.5 lakh crore. It aims to build 10,000 km of roads by 2030, learning from Bharatmala’s delays. Details are awaited, but it’s part of India’s long-term growth vision.
Completing Phase-I
The government is pushing to finish the 15,599 km still under construction. Projects like the Thiruvananthapuram Outer Ring Road are moving forward. Contractors face tight deadlines, but funding and land issues persist. Completing Phase-I by 2027 is critical to restoring public faith.
Transparency and Reforms
After CAG criticism, the government is stressing transparency. New monitoring systems track project outcomes, and impact reports are mandatory. Reforms in land acquisition and funding could speed up work. Public trust hinges on these changes, as people demand accountability for their tax money.
Public Sentiment and Updates
As of June 22, 2025, public sentiment on X shows mixed feelings. Many praise Bharatmala’s impact on travel and trade, but others slam delays and alleged corruption. Posts call for stricter oversight and faster completion. Protests in some areas demand better road maintenance. The Road Ministry’s recent circular on monitoring has sparked hope, but skepticism remains. Updates on key projects, like the Pune-Bengaluru Expressway, keep interest high. The government must address public concerns to maintain support. Bharatmala’s journey continues, with eyes on 2027 for a transformed India.
Social Media Reactions
X users share stories of faster trips but also post about poor road upkeep. Some call Bharatmala a “game-changer,” while others label it a “money pit.” Hashtags like #BharatmalaPariyojana trend during updates, reflecting public engagement and frustration with delays.
Ongoing Protests
In states like Maharashtra and Kerala, locals protest over land acquisition and environmental damage. They want fair compensation and greener construction. These movements pressure authorities but slow projects. The government is holding talks to resolve disputes, with mixed success.
Latest Government Actions
The Road Ministry’s June 2025 circular mandates impact assessments for all projects. Nitin Gadkari has promised faster awards for stalled projects under Rs 1,000 crore. These steps aim to rebuild trust, but public patience is thin. More action is needed to deliver on Bharatmala’s promise.
