Remote Sensing Vegetation and Water Indices: Understanding NDVI, NDMI, NDWI and Their Applications

🛣️ Introduction & Need

India's economic growth and competitiveness are closely tied to its transportation infrastructure. Recognizing this, the Bharatmala Pariyojana was launched to optimize freight and road connectivity across the country. The program aims to develop a robust network of highways that facilitate efficient movement of goods and people, thereby reducing logistics costs and boosting economic activity.

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🏗️ Background

Launched in 2017, the Bharatmala Pariyojana is a centrally sponsored and funded road and highways project initiated by the Government of India. The program is implemented by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) through agencies like the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Phase-I of the project targets the development of approximately 34,800 km of highways, including economic corridors, inter-corridors, feeder routes, and border and international connectivity roads. The initiative also integrates with other schemes like the Sagarmala Programme and PM Gati Shakti to ensure multimodal connectivity and comprehensive infrastructure development.

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📊 Progress & Financials

• Total Sanctioned Projects: As of October 2024, projects covering a total length of 26,425 km have been awarded under Phase-I of Bharatmala Pariyojana.
• Kilometers Completed: By December 2024, approximately 19,826 km of road construction had been completed, enhancing connectivity across various regions.
• Budget Allocation: The total capital cost approved and awarded for the projects under Bharatmala Pariyojana stands at ₹8.54 lakh crore.

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🔄 Current Status

The Bharatmala Pariyojana has encountered several challenges leading to delays and cost overruns:

• Delays: The initial completion deadline for Phase-I was set for 2022. However, due to various factors, the deadline has been extended to 2027-28.
• Revised Deadlines: The extension is attributed to issues such as land acquisition delays, increased project costs, and financial difficulties faced by contractors.
• Upcoming Corridors: Despite the delays, the government continues to focus on completing the ongoing projects. Notable corridors under development include the Delhi-Vadodara Expressway, Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, and the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway, among others.