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Setu Bandhan Scheme: Building Rural Connectivity with 7 New Bridges in Arunachal Pradesh

Setu Bandhan Scheme: Bridging Rural India
India is a massive country with a widespread network of roads and railways. However, connectivity between rural areas and states is still a challenge. The government has taken various initiatives to boost connectivity and infrastructure development in rural and remote areas. One such initiative is the Setu Bandhan Scheme under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF).
Setu Bandhan Scheme and CRIF
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Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) |
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Setu Bandhan Scheme |
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Scheme Rollout |
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Relevance of the Scheme |
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Future Directions |
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Central Road and Infrastructure Fund
The Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) was established in 2000 through the Central Road Fund Act, 2000. Previously known as the Central Road Fund, it is constituted by a cess levied on petrol and diesel, in addition to excise duty. The fund was initially under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways but now falls under the Ministry of Finance.
In 2018, the Central Road Fund Act was amended and the Central Road Fund was renamed as Central Road and Infrastructure Fund. A key change was allowing the funds to be utilized for other infrastructure projects like railways, waterways and social infrastructure such as educational institutions and hospitals. This opened up the scope of the fund beyond just road projects.
Setu Bandhan Scheme
The Setu Bandhan Scheme is an initiative under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. It was introduced with the aim of improving rural inter-state connectivity through bridges, especially in border areas where state roads often lack attention.
The main objectives of Setu Bandhan Scheme are:
- Replacing existing railway level crossings (LCs) with Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and Rail Under Bridges (RUBs)
- Improving road safety and reducing accidents at level crossings
The scheme focuses on constructing ROBs, RUBs and bridges on state highways to replace railway level crossings. This enhances connectivity as well as safety for both road and rail users.
Recently, approval was granted for 7 bridge projects in Arunachal Pradesh under this scheme. The total cost of these projects is Rs 118.50 crores and they will be implemented during 2023-24.
The approved bridges include an RCC bridge over Pacha River connecting villages in East Kameng district, a bridge from Goang to Donigaon village in the same district, 3 bridges on NH-313 in Lower Dibang district, a double lane steel composite bridge at Kharsa in West Kameng district, an RCC bridge over Ngopok river in Lower Subansiri district among others.
Significance of the Scheme
The Setu Bandhan scheme is in alignment with the larger goals of the government to boost connectivity and infrastructure development across the country.
Bridging rural areas enhances the overall socio-economic development and improves the quality of life. Some benefits of the scheme are:
- Enhanced rural connectivity: Building bridges and ROBs/RUBs to replace level crossings improves connectivity between villages, especially in remote border areas.
- Road safety: Level crossings are accident-prone areas. Constructing overpasses can reduce collisions between road and rail traffic.
- Faster movement: Bridges allow unrestricted movement of road traffic without having to stop for passing trains. This saves time and fuel.
- All-weather access: Bridges provide all-weather connectivity which is unavailable at level crossings.
- Social development: Better rural connectivity facilitates access to schools, hospitals and markets. It promotes trade and commercial activities.
The Setu Bandhan Scheme has strategic importance for fostering inclusive development across the country. It is a stepping stone for transforming rural India.

Implementation of the Scheme
The Setu Bandhan Scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) are the key agencies involved.
The selection of sites is based on recommendations of state governments, traffic density and safety considerations. District collectors carry out land acquisition for the approved projects.
A robust monitoring mechanism is essential for timely completion of quality construction. The construction agencies are required to install project signboards, follow standard codes, conduct quality checks and submit documentation.
Final Thoughts
Replacing level crossings with overpasses is a challenging endeavor considering the scale and terrain of India.
Over 9,500 railway level crossings still exist on national highways alone as per government data. Concerted efforts and adequate funding allocation will be vital to achieve the intended targets. The scope of the scheme may be expanded to cover district and rural roads as well to maximize its impact.
Proactive coordination between central and state agencies is crucial for smooth land acquisition and project execution. Adoption of modern construction technologies can enhance speed, quality and cost-effectiveness.
The Setu Bandhan Scheme has the potential to bring about a substantial transformation in rural connectivity across the length and breadth of India. With efficient planning and implementation, the scheme can prove to be a game changer in integrating remote areas and uplifting rural lives.