Indian govt., World Bank sign agreement to fund GNHCP

The Green National Highway Corridors Project (GNHCP) will pass from Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh. The total project cost will be US$1288.24 million (Rs 7,662.47 crore). Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has said that the project, funded by the World Bank, will enhance the ability of the government to bring green technologies into the mainstream.

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New Delhi, March 17: Indian government and the World Bank have signed an agreement for the construction of the Green National Highway Corridors Project (GNHCP). Union minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari gave a written reply on the same in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

The total length of the project will be 781 km. It will pass from Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh. The total project cost will be US$1288.24 million (Rs 7,662.47 crore); and loan assistance will be US $500 million. The objective of the project is to demonstrate green and safe highways keeping in view climate resilience and the use of green technologies by incorporating the provisions of conservation of natural resources.

One of the objectives of GNHCP is to reduce the impact of air pollution and dust by planting shrubs and trees. They will not only act as a natural sink for air pollutants but also arrest soil erosion at the embankment slopes. Contracts for greening highways will be given to agencies, NGOs, private companies, and government organisations. For the survival and health of trees, these stakeholders will be responsible.