Setu Bharatam

Setu Bharatam programme was launched in 2016 and aims to make all National Highways free of railway level crossings by 2019. This is being done to prevent the frequent accidents and loss of lives at level crossings.

• 208 new “road over bridges (RoBs)/road under bridges” (RuBs) are envisaged for construction, while 1500 bridges will be widened, rehabilitated or replaced.

Issues with the Project

• The process of construction is very slow.
• Administrative approval and financial sanction for construction of only 123 RoBs/RuBs have been accorded till December 2021 under Setu Bharatam Programme.
• The construction cost is borne by respective states, and therefore they may raise the cost of land for construction. Also, there are many formalities which need to be fulfilled before starting the construction like closing the railway crossings, preparing other lines, raising budget by the state government, advance action of land acquisition etc.

Possibilities and Prospects

• There are certain loopholes in the scheme which needs to be ratified for proper functioning of the plan.
• Reducing the regional inequalities in highway construction across the country.
• Coordination among the centre and the state should be strengthened for proper implementation of the programme.