evidence: Projects in a length of about 3,181 km amounting to Rs. 43,519 crore was sanctioned during 2021-22 for improvement of connectivity of National highways (NHs) passing through the tribal districts. Works in a length of about 2,229 km have been completed and expenditure of Rs. 22,464 crore has been incurred during 2021-22 on such projects including Rs. 745 crore under the head Bharatmala Pariyojna – work under State PWDs / NHIDCL / BRO under Tribal Sub-Plan. The Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-I was approved for a length of 34,800 km with an outlay of Rs. 5.35 Lakh Crore. As on March, 2022, expenditure to the tune of Rs. 2.2 Lakh Crore has been incurred on projects under Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-I.