India to Build Green Highways with World Bank Aid

The Government of India and the World Bank have joined forces to construct the Green National Highway Corridor Project (GNHCP). This project aims to build 781 km of eco-friendly highways across four states (Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh) with a focus on safety and climate resilience.

Project Funding

 The World Bank will provide a loan of US $500 million for the project, with a total cost of US $1288.24 million (Rs. 7,662.47 crore).

Green Technology Focus

The GNHCP will showcase the use of green technologies in highway construction, including:

• Conservation of natural resources through recycled materials
• Utilization of local and sustainable materials like fly ash and waste plastic
• Bio-engineering techniques for slope protection

• Project Completion Timeline: The GNHCP is scheduled for completion by May 2026.

Project Components

• Green highway corridor improvement and maintenance
• Institutional capacity enhancement for project implementation
• Road safety measures

Expected Benefits

• Reduced carbon emissions and environmental impact
• Improved road quality, all-weather connectivity, and safety
• Socio-economic development and enhanced trade within the project regions