India and the World Bank Collaborate on the Green National Highways Corridor Initiative.

The Government of India has signed an agreement with the World Bank to construct the Green National Highways Corridor Project (GNHCP) across 781 km in Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh. The project, with a total cost of $1,288 million (₹7,662 crore), includes $500 million in loan assistance from the World Bank.

The GNHCP aims to create safe, climate-resilient, and eco-friendly highways by integrating green technologies. Key features include the conservation of natural resources through cement-treated sub-base, reclaimed asphalt pavement, and the use of local and marginal materials like lime, fly ash, and waste plastic. Bio-engineering methods, such as hydroseeding and the use of coco/jute fibers for slope protection, are also being incorporated to mainstream sustainable construction practices.

The guidelines of Indian Roads Congress on Green Highways (Plantation, Transplantation, Beautification & Maintenance) Policy, 2015 stipulates planting the plants/trees on National Highways as per the availability of space in Right of Way. Since promulgation of Green Highways Policy, 465.42 lakh plants have been planted on the National Highways in the country. In Maharashtra, 40.17 lakh plants and in Madhya Pradesh, 43.53 lakh plants have been planted from 2015-16 to 2024-25 (till 15 November, 2024).

In December 2020, the Government of India and the World Bank signed a $500 million agreement to develop the Green National Highways Corridor Project (GNHCP). This initiative aims to construct 781 kilometers of highways across Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh, focusing on integrating safe and green technology designs.

Key Objectives of the GNHCP:

• Enhanced Road Safety: By integrating safety features into the highway designs, the project seeks to reduce traffic accidents and improve overall road safety for users.
• Capacity Building: The GNHCP will strengthen the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ (MoRTH) ability to mainstream green technologies and safety measures into future highway projects. worldbank.org

Financial and Implementation Details:

The total project cost is estimated at $1,288.24 million (approximately ₹7,662.47 crore), with the World Bank providing a $500 million loan to support the initiative. The remaining funding will be sourced from the Government of India. The project is set to be implemented over a period of six years, focusing on the identified states.

Expected Outcomes:

Upon completion, the GNHCP is anticipated to:

• Demonstrate the effectiveness of green and safe highway designs, serving as a model for future infrastructure projects in India.
• Enhance connectivity and promote economic development in the participating states.
• Contribute to India’s commitments toward sustainable development and climate change mitigation.

This collaboration between India and the World Bank underscores a shared commitment to developing infrastructure that is not only efficient and safe but also environmentally sustainable.

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