Green National Highway Corridors Project and the World Bank Loan: Important Facts

India and the World Bank have recently signed a loan agreement to construct 781 kilometers of green highways across four states in India. The project aims to build the Green National Highway Corridors Project in 4 Indian states. The loan assistance of 500 million dollars will be used for the construction of the highways.

The Green National Highway Corridors Project will promote the use of green technologies and climate resilience to demonstrate safe and environmentally friendly highways. The project aims to establish a new standard for sustainable infrastructure in India.

The Project

The Green National Highway Corridors Project is a massive undertaking that aims to construct highways with an aggregate length of 781 km across four Indian states: Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh. The total project cost is estimated at $1,288.24 million (Rs 7,662.47 crore), and the World Bank has agreed to provide $500 million in loan assistance.

The Objectives of the Project

The Green National Highway Corridors Project aims to promote sustainable infrastructure in India. It will showcase the use of clean energy technologies and promote climate resilience for highway construction. The project will also promote the use of electric vehicles and bring down greenhouse gas emissions.

Under this project, highways will be constructed in a way that will reduce the carbon footprint and promote a cleaner environment. They will be designed to reduce the impact of construction on the environment.

The project is expected to transform the highway infrastructure in the country. It will also provide a boost to the Indian economy by generating employment and increasing trade and commerce.

Local/Marginal Material

One of the important aspects of the project is the use of local or marginal materials, such as lime, fly ash, waste plastic, and bio-engineering measures for slope protection. These materials will not only reduce the cost of construction but will also minimize the environmental impact of the project. Additionally, hydroseeding, coco/jute fiber, and other measures will be used for slope protection, which will help to prevent soil erosion.

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2023

Category: India Nation & States Current Affairs