Setu Bandhan Yojana
Why In News ?
- Recently the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways announced the approval of Setu Bandhan Scheme for seven bridge projects in Arunachal Pradesh under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF).
Objective:
- These projects aim to increase connectivity across all regions and promote economic growth. These projects are in line with the commitment to improve the overall quality of life and promote socio-economic development of Arunachal Pradesh.
Key facts about Central Road and Infrastructure Fund: 
- These projects with a combined cost of Rs 118.50 crore are scheduled for implementation during the financial year 2023-24.
- The Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (earlier known as the Central Road Fund) was established in 2000 under the Central Road Fund Act, 2000.
- This fund includes cess imposed along with excise duty on petrol and diesel.
- The administrative control of CRIF comes under the Ministry of Finance.
- Earlier it was under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Provisions in the Central Road Fund Act (Amendment), 2018:
- Following the Central Road Fund Act (Amendment), 2018, the Central Road Fund has been renamed as Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF).
- This amendment allowed the use of road cess proceeds under CRIF to finance waterways, parts of railway infrastructure and social infrastructure and other infrastructure projects including educational institutions, medical colleges etc.
Regarding Setu Bandhan Yojana:
- “Setu Bandhan Yojana” program has been launched by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways with an objective to facilitate the construction work of Rail Over Bridges (ROBs), Rail Under Bridges (RUBs) and other bridges on the state roads.
- This program is designed to increase road safety by constructing bridges in place of existing crossings/level crossings, which will ultimately reduce accidents at these locations.
Source – PIB
