India's highway network is one of the largest in the world. Which scheme focuses on the development of highways, particularly in economic corridors?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) Bharatmala Pariyojana
Explanation:
· The Bharatmala Pariyojana is a centrally sponsored umbrella program for India's road and highway sector, launched by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
· Its primary objective is to optimize the efficiency of freight and passenger movement by bridging critical infrastructure gaps.
· A key component is the development of Economic Corridors (EC) and Inter-Corridors/Feeder Routes, which are high-volume routes connecting major production and consumption centers to streamline trade.
Information Booster:
· Focus on Corridors: Bharatmala aims to increase the number of national corridors from 6 to 50, which are expected to carry a significant portion of India's road freight traffic.
· Component Breakdown: Phase-I of the project included various components, with the development of 9,000 km of Economic Corridors being a main focus area.
· Multimodal Logistics: The project also involves establishing Multimodal Logistics Parks (MMLPs) along the corridors to improve efficiency and reduce logistics costs.
Additional Information:
· Sagarmala (Option c): This scheme is a complementary initiative that focuses on port-led development, including port modernization, coastal shipping, and improving connectivity between ports and the hinterland (which includes road/rail links, often synergistic with Bharatmala).
· PM Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) (Option a): This scheme focuses on providing all-weather road connectivity to unconnected habitations in rural areas (a rural focus, not a high-volume economic corridor focus).
· BharatNet (Option b): This project focuses on establishing digital infrastructure by providing broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats.