Home Knowledge Path to Progress....Setu Bharatam Yojna

Path to Progress....Setu Bharatam Yojna

by Madhavi Mihir Bhuta (National Executive Member, BJP Mahila Morcha)
Oct 06, 2020
Path to Progress....Setu Bharatam Yojna, Knowledge, KonexioNetwork.com

Every culture that was rich and evolved in its formative years, does not just reflect its social and religious glory but also leaves behind legacy of economic, Architectural, Innovative and monumental memories to be cherished by generation next. If We, introspect deeply into our past and go back to Vedic age, we can get the references of Ram Setu in the Ramayan era.

Ram Setu was built by Vanar Sena, for Shri Ram to cross over the Indian Ocean (Hindu Mahasagar) from southernmost tip at Rameshwaram to Ravan’s Lanka. A few years back, the existence of Ram Setu was debated but the Satellite images of its existence have put a full stop to doubts and controversy.

Similarly, in each age and every era, infrastructural innovations were added and altered as per the demand and requirements. During British rule, number of roads and ghats were constructed. Post independence, with population pacing at rapid speed, resulting in ascending commutation by growing inhabitants, the roads and transport facilities had to be updated and maintained. When National highways were being built, they were invariably constructed alongside the railway line. Hence, the roads connecting the highway from the towns, passed through the railway crossings. The vehicle, going towards the highway, had no choice but to stop at the railway crossings. Sometimes when more than few trains were scheduled to pass from the crossing, it wasted a lot of time at the crossings. Moreover, with increasing traffic, the accidents increased at these railway crossings. Unmanned railway crossings have been one of the Chief causes of railway accidents in Bharat, especially in rural areas. With the elimination of unmanned railway crossings the mishaps can be avoided.

The scenario remained unchanged for lot many years post independence. Unfortunately, the previous Governments lacked vision and adhered to the age old structure of administration. The Infrastructure remained as planned and built during British rule as per their requirements.

ShriNarendra Modi Ji’s  Governments started remodeling the existing but inoperative structures along with constructing new infrastructures to give a boost to the economy as well as safety. Setu Bharatan Yojna was launched on the 4th March 2016 for building rail over-bridges or underpasses for safe and seamless travel on National Highways. The ambitious programme is being implemented by Road, Transport and Highways Ministry along with Ministry of Railway. The MoU between the two Ministry was signed to replace all level crossings by Road Over Bridges or Road Under Bridges.

Around 1500 bridges that are over 50 to 60 years old have been rebuilt, widened and rehabilitated. Additionally, 208 places have been identified for construction of rail over-bridges and underpasses at a cost of nearly 10,200 Crore Rupees. Total expense of the mega mission is estimated to be in the vicinity of 50,200 Crores.

The construction spots for new bridges have been identified pan India. The highest number of bridges under Setu Bharatam Yojna have been constructed in Andhra Pradesh (33) followed by
Bihar (20), West Bengal (22), Karnataka (17).
Some of the objectives of the Setu Bharatam Yojna are :

1)    Construction of in the national highways across the country.

2)    Construction of around 280 under and over railway tracks bridges by the Government with an expense of around Rs 100 Crores.

3)    Around 64 bridges would get the green signal.

4)    Use of Scientific techniques such as measurement of distance, longitude, latitude, material, designs etc. during the construction of bridges.

Under this Yojna, Indian Bridge Management System (IBMS) was established under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways at the Indian Academy for Highway Engineer in Noida. It conducted survey of all bridges on National Highways through Inspection Units. Around 11 firms were set up for the purpose.

Hon.Prime Minister is. Visionary who believes in thinking ‘out of Box’. He perceived the obstacles that would be faced while widening the roads in future. That is- encroachment of the land on both the sides of the road!!!
Encroachment causes major problem when the road widening to make Four Lane or Six Lane Road is required. To avoid such mishaps, Narendra Modiji implemented flawless solution. He strategized constructing highways in East-West direction, leaving aside the central part of the land, for future widening of the road.
Extremely unfortunately, the previous Governments’ idea of development was submerged in the greed for its political benefits. hence their development strategy was lopsided. showering growth measures to certain areas and completely neglecting the remote area. The ‘Seven sisters’, the seven states of North East as well as J & K were kept out of the growth plans due to political compulsions. When Narendra Modiji became the Primr Minister of Bharat, his entire vision was dedicated to provide equal amount of development opportunities to these areas. Hence, Modi ji led Government has brought Arunachal Pradesh on the railway map of Bharat with Bharat’s longest Rail-cum-Road bridge- 4.9 km long Bogibeel bridge over river Brahmaputra. In Arunachal, Center has started location survey to connect Tawang, Aalo, Pasighat with broad gauge railway networks.

During his days as RSS swayamsewak and ground karyakarta of BJP, Hon. Prime Minister was connected with entire Bharat. The state of Jammu & Kashmir felt the disconnect with rest of the nation due to political disturbances from across the border. As the result, the development pace in this region was halted. Modi ji led Government has taken numerous measures to bring J &K under the umbrella of nation’s growth machine. The Government is building the tallest bridge in the world over river Chenab at Doda (359 meter above the river).  The bridge would be built at a cost of Rs.1198 Crore. It is scheduled to be completed by next year in 2021.

Recently, on the 3rd October 2020, Hon. Prime Minister dedicated Atal Tunnel, a Highway tunnel built under Rohtang Paas in the eastern Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas on the Leh-Manali highway in the Himachal Pradesh. It is the longest tunnel of 9.02 km length. The tunnel would surely change the growth model of the region. 

Hon. Prime Minister, Late Shri. Atal Bihari Vajpayee had done its Bhoomi Pujan in 2002 and had started its work but unfortunately the UPA Government thereafter deterred from completing this mammoth work. Their lack of commitment and political compulsions made them complete only 1300 meters of work during their 10 years stint of power.

This tunnel is an engineering marvel and has extremely significant role to play from the security point of view. It decreases the distance between Manali and Leh by five hours and would play a crucial role in felicitating Security forces at the border.

The Government of Bharat launched the Setu Bharatam Yojna considering the importance of road safety. Setu Bharatam aims in developing a strong infrastructure that will contribute towards the growth of the Naya Bharat. Narendrabhai Modiji is a Man on Mission. A mission to put Bharat on the route to become VishwaNeta.