India & World Bank Sign Contract for Green National Highway Corridors
The Government of India and the World Bank have signed an agreement for the construction of the Green National Highway Corridors Project (GNHCP), covering 781 km across Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh. The project, with a total cost of $1,288.24 million (₹7,662.47 crore), will receive $500 million in loan assistance from the World Bank. The project is scheduled for completion by May 2026.
GNHCP aims to demonstrate safe and green highway practices focusing on climate resilience and the use of green technologies, incorporating:
- Conservation of natural resources using cement-treated sub-base/reclaimed asphalt pavement.
- Promoting the use of local/marginal materials like lime, fly ash, and waste plastic.
- Implementing bio-engineering measures for slope protection, such as coco fiber/jute erosion control blankets, hydroseeding, shotcrete crib walls with vegetation, bamboo plantations, and hedge brush layers.
These green technologies and bio-engineering solutions, especially in hilly areas, are expected to reduce carbon emissions and conserve natural resources throughout the project's lifecycle. The project aims to provide smooth, motorable roads with all-weather connectivity, boosting socio-economic development, trade, and regional connectivity. Improved road stretches will enhance access to inner regions, fostering employment opportunities and inclusive growth by integrating these areas more closely with mainstream regions.
