Green National Highway Corridor Project

Green National Highway Corridor Project

The Government of India and the World Bank have entered into a USD 500 million agreement to fund the Green National Highway Corridors Project (GNHCP). This project will be implemented in the states of Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh, focusing on making highways more eco-friendly and climate-resilient.

Key Objectives of the GNHCP:
The project aims to demonstrate how highways can be constructed and maintained in a sustainable and green manner by incorporating innovative technologies and emphasizing environmental conservation and climate resilience. Some of the primary initiatives within the project include:

• Conservation of Natural Resources: The project will use cement-treated subbase and reclaimed asphalt pavement to reduce the consumption of virgin materials and promote the reuse of existing resources.
• Promotion of Local Materials: The use of local and marginal materials such as lime, fly ash, and waste plastic will be encouraged, reducing the dependency on conventional materials and minimizing the environmental footprint of construction.
• Eco-friendly Slope Protection: The project will use bio-engineering measures like hydroseeding, shotcrete crib walls with vegetation, bamboo plantation, and hedge brush layers for slope protection, preventing erosion while enhancing the biodiversity of the highway areas.

Completion and Scope:

• The scheduled completion date for the project is May 2026.
• The project covers three key components:
  1. Green Highway Corridor Improvement and Maintenance: Focusing on upgrading and maintaining highways with eco-friendly measures.
  2. Institutional Capacity Enhancement: Strengthening the capacity of institutions involved in the implementation and management of green highways.
  3. Road Safety: Enhancing road safety through improved design and infrastructure.

Benefits of the GNHCP:The GNHCP is expected to provide several key benefits:

1. Reduced Carbon Emissions: By using eco-friendly construction practices and materials, the project aims to reduce carbon emissions and conserve natural resources.
2. Improved Road Quality: The project will create smooth, motorable roads with all-weather connectivity, which will enhance mobility and accessibility.
3. Socio-Economic Development: The development of green highways will foster enhanced trade and connectivity within the region, leading to economic growth and job creation.

Key Takeaways
The Green National Highway Corridors Project (GNHCP) represents a significant step towards making India's transportation infrastructure more sustainable and environmentally friendly. By leveraging innovative construction methods and materials, the project aims to reduce the carbon footprint of highways, improve road safety, and promote regional economic development. This initiative aligns with India’s broader goals of enhancing climate resilience and creating a sustainable future for the country's infrastructure.

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