The Setu Bharatam Yojana is a bold infrastructure initiative launched by the Government of India in 2016. With an ambitious target of making all National Highways free of railway level crossings, the project aims to enhance road safety, improve connectivity, and boost economic activity across the country.
Objectives of Setu Bharatam Yojana
- Enhanced Safety: Eliminate the risk of accidents at railway level crossings by constructing road overbridges (ROBs) or road underbridges (RUBs).
- Seamless Connectivity: Ensure uninterrupted and efficient traffic flow on national highways.
- Economic Boost: Facilitate smoother transportation of goods and services, reducing logistics costs and supporting economic growth.
- Revitalizing Bridges: Identify and renovate or replace old, dilapidated, and narrow bridges to ensure safety and longevity.
Implementation Strategy
The Setu Bharatam Yojana involves a multi-pronged approach:
- Identification of Sites: Prioritizing railway level crossings with high traffic density or a history of accidents.
- Collaboration: Partnership between the Ministry of Railways, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and state governments for execution.
- Funding: Projects are funded with a dedicated corpus and through budgetary allocations.
- Time-bound Targets: Aggressive timelines for the completion of ROBs/RUBs to achieve the broader vision.
Impact of the Project
Setu Bharatam Yojana has already made significant strides:
- Reduced Accidents: Construction of ROBs and RUBs has drastically reduced accidents at railway crossings, saving precious lives.
- Improved Traffic Flow: Seamless traffic movement due to the elimination of level crossings has led to time savings and reduced congestion.
- Boost to Local Economies: Enhanced connectivity has supported local businesses and industries, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas.
FAQs About Setu Bharatam Yojana
- What is the total estimated cost of the project? The initial estimated cost was approximately ₹50,000 crores.
- How many ROBs/RUBs are planned to be constructed? The initial target was around 208 ROBs/RUBs.
- How is the progress of the project monitored? Regular monitoring mechanisms with dedicated timelines ensure timely completion and accountability.
MCQs
The primary goal of Setu Bharatam Yojana is to:
A. Build new highways
B. Renovate historical bridges
C. Construct ROBs/RUBs to replace railway crossings
D. Widen existing roads
Which of these is NOT a direct benefit of the project?
A. Reduced air pollution
B. Enhanced road safety
C. Faster travel times
D. Economic development