Roads are the backbone of development. For millions living in villages, good roads mean easier access to markets, hospitals and schools. The Bharatmala Pariyojana, launched in 2017, aims to change how India connects its towns and villages. Phase-I plans nearly 34,800 km of highways, focusing on economic corridors, rural links and border roads.
This article explains how these new highways can change rural India — helping farmers, creating jobs, improving services — and also looks at the concerns that must be solved.
What is the Bharatmala Project?
Bharatmala is a centrally sponsored programme to build and improve highways across India. It is different from earlier road plans because it puts special focus on:
- Economic corridors that link production centres with ports and markets
- Inter-corridor and feeder roads to connect rural areas to main highways
- Border and coastal roads for security and trade
Why highways matter for rural India
Poor roads make life harder for villagers. Markets are far, hospitals are slow to reach, and many goods spoil in transit. Modern highways can bring fast, reliable and safe travel. Main benefits include:
- Economic growth: Farmers and small producers get easier market access and better prices.
- Jobs: Road building creates immediate work and later supports roadside businesses like dhabas, repair shops and logistics hubs.
- Faster services: Ambulances, school buses and delivery services reach villages sooner.
- Tourism: Cultural and rural tourism spots become reachable, bringing more income to villages.
Progress so far (2025)
- About 11,000 km completed from Phase-I targets.
- Nearly 14,000 km under construction in different states.
- Estimated investment for Phase-I is over ₹10 lakh crore (government + loans + PPP).
- Special focus zones include Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, North-East and border states.
Real impact on villages
Highways bring visible change in daily life. Examples:
- Better market access: Farmers can send vegetables, milk and fruits to city mandis faster and with less spoilage.
- New businesses: Small shops, repair garages and eateries open near highway junctions, giving locals regular income.
- Health & education: Faster travel to district hospitals and colleges saves lives and time.
- Security: Border roads help the armed forces move quickly, improving national security.
Challenges and concerns
Large road projects can face problems that need careful handling:
- Land acquisition: Fair compensation and resettlement are essential to avoid long disputes.
- Environment: Forests, wetlands and wildlife can be affected; mitigation measures must be implemented.
- Displacement: Families living near routes may need support to rebuild livelihoods.
- Funding & maintenance: Timely funds and good maintenance are needed to ensure roads stay usable.
People’s Voice
Across villages, the highways built under Bharatmala are already reshaping lives.
In Madhya Pradesh, farmer Ramesh Patel recalls how it once took him nearly four hours to reach the mandi. Now, with the new road, the trip is cut to just two. The saved time and diesel costs put more money back into his pocket.
In Bihar, schoolteacher Sushila Devi notices a different change. Children in her village arrive at school on time, and when emergencies occur, ambulances no longer get stuck on broken paths. “The new road has given us peace of mind,” she says.
Further west in Rajasthan, Rajesh Kumar runs a modest dhaba. With trucks and tourists now flowing along the highway, his tables are fuller than ever. “My income has almost doubled,” he says proudly.
These stories, though simple, reveal a powerful truth — that a road is never just a stretch of tar. It carries hopes, livelihoods and opportunities, bringing rural India closer to growth.
How Bharatmala links to the economy
Better roads reduce logistics costs (which are higher in India than global averages), speed up exports by connecting ports, and encourage factories to set up near small towns. This helps the government’s Make in India goal and spreads jobs outside big cities.
Comparison with China
China built roads fast in the 1990s and 2000s, helping industry move into smaller cities. India aims to follow a similar path but must ensure fair practices, environmental care and local benefits to succeed.
Future outlook
Phase-II plans will widen the reach beyond Phase-I. Expect more expressways, smart tolling, solar lighting and better use of technology in coming years. Success depends on fair land deals, funding and long-term maintenance.
FAQ
Q: What is Bharatmala in short?
A: A national programme to build highways that connect villages, towns, ports and borders.
Q: Who pays for Bharatmala?
A: Central government funds, loans and public–private partnerships (PPP).
Q: Will it harm nature?
A: Large works can affect ecology, but mitigation (tree plantation, wildlife corridors) is planned and must be followed.
Q: How will farmers benefit?
A: Faster market access, reduced spoilage, lower transport costs and better prices for produce.
Q: Is Bharatmala already complete?
A: No. As of 2025 around 11,000 km is complete and more is ongoing.
The Road Ahead
The Bharatmala Project is not just about laying highways; it is about shortening distances that shape everyday lives. A farmer reaching the mandi on time, a child getting to school safely, or an ambulance cutting travel time — these are the real measures of success. The challenge lies in ensuring fair land deals, protecting the environment, and maintaining these roads well. If promises are matched with honest work, dusty village tracks can truly turn into lifelines of growth and opportunity.