- The Setu Bharatam project aims to make all national highways free from railway level crossing by 2019 to ensure safe and seamless travel.
- It entails an investment of Rs. 50,800 crore.
- As a part of this project, 208 rail-over bridges and rail-under bridges will be built in place of railway crossings at a cost of Rs. 20,800 crore.
- Construction of bridges and rail-over bridges (ROBs) is important for bridging the gap between two parts of a corridor.
- 1,500 decades -old weak and worn out bridges will be widened, rehabilitated or replaced for Rs. 30,000 crore.
- The project is spread over 19 states.
- As a result, frequent accidents and loss of lives at level crossings will be prevented.
- The Indian Bridge Management System has been introduced to map all 1,50,000 bridges in the country.
- It will conduct ‘condition’ surveys and will inventorise it through mobile inspection units.
- It is for the first time that all bridges in the country are being mapped. Gradation of bridges will be done through space technology with information like age, length, latitude, longitude, material as well as design.
- The project will not only help in avoiding congestion at national highways but also result in fuel saving.
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