https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/api.php?action=feedcontributions&feedformat=atom&user=Ankitjoshi0806Bharatpedia - User contributions [en]2026-07-28T00:13:17ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.43.6https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gorakhpur%E2%80%93Siliguri_Expressway&diff=432360Gorakhpur–Siliguri Expressway2023-08-20T14:11:32Z<p>Ankitjoshi0806: New article</p>
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<div>{{Short description|Expressway in India}}<br />
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2023}}<br />
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2023}}<br />
{{Infobox road<br />
|header_type= proposed<br />
|country=IND<br />
|name = Gorakhpur–Siliguri Expressway<br />
|map=<br />
|map_notes=<br />
|length_km= 519<br />
|direction_a= West<br />
|direction_b= East<br />
|terminus_a= [[Gorakhpur]], Uttar Pradesh<br />
|junction=<br />
|terminus_b= [[Siliguri]], West Bengal<br />
|formed= 2025 (expected)<ref name="LatestNews">{{cite news|author1=Chadha, Vipra|title=Gorakhpur Siliguri Expressway - Route, Map, Benefits & Latest News|url=https://www.magicbricks.com/blog/gorakhpur-siliguri-expressway/130762.html|work=MagicBricks|date=11 January 2023|access-date=15 March 2023|language=en}}</ref><br />
|states= [[Uttar Pradesh]], [[Bihar]] and [[West Bengal]]<br />
|cities= [[Gorakhpur]], [[Deoria, Uttar Pradesh|Deoria]], [[Kushinagar]], [[Gopalganj, Bihar|Gopalganj]], [[Motihari]], [[Sitamarhi]], [[Darbhanga]], [[Madhubani, Bihar|Madhubani]], [[Supaul]], [[Forbesganj]], [[Araria]], [[Kishanganj]], [[Islampur, Uttar Dinajpur|Islampur]], [[Bagdogra]] and [[Siliguri]]<br />
|maint= [[National Highways Authority of India]] (NHAI)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''Gorakhpur–Siliguri Expressway''' is an approved {{cvt|519|km}} long, four-lane (expandable to 6) [[Controlled-access highway|access-controlled]] [[Greenfield land|greenfield]] expressway, which will connect the city of [[Gorakhpur]] in [[Uttar Pradesh]] with the city of [[Siliguri]] in [[West Bengal]], [[India]].<ref name="HT">{{cite news |title=NHAI proposes Gorakhpur-Siliguri expressway, awaits Bihar’s nod |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nhai-proposes-gorakhpur-siliguri-expressway-awaits-bihar-s-nod-101638110781940.html |access-date=26 July 2022 |agency=Hindustan Times |publisher=www.hindustantimes.com |date=28 November 2021}}</ref> It will run almost parallel to the [[India–Nepal border]], and will pass through three states–Uttar Pradesh, [[Bihar]] and West Bengal. The expressway is a part of [[Bharatmala Pariyojana]], and it will reduce both travel time and distance, from 14-15 hours only 8-9 hours, and from {{cvt|640|km}} to {{cvt|519|km}}.<ref name="LatestNews"/> As it will pass through close to the India–Nepal border, the project is of strategic importance for the country, as it will also benefit [[Nepal]].<ref name="HT"/> It will be built at a cost of ₹ 32,000 crore, and will be completed by 2025, which was earlier scheduled at 2028/29.<ref name="LatestNews"/> In the future, it will be extended to the capital of [[Assam]] and the largest city of [[Northeast India]], [[Guwahati]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Gorakhpur Siliguri Expressway Project Complete Details|url=https://timesproperty.com/news/post/gorakhpur-siliguri-expressway-project-details-blid3894|work=[[The Times of India|Times Property]]|date=14 February 2023|access-date=15 March 2023|language=en}}</ref><br />
<br />
==History==<br />
To improve connectivity, tourism, development and economic growth in [[Eastern India|Eastern]] as well as [[Northeast India]], also including [[Nepal]], the [[Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (India)|Ministry of Road Transport and Highways]] planned to build an expressway from [[Gorakhpur]] to [[Siliguri]], by making it align close and parallel to the [[India–Nepal border]]. The expressway will reduce both travel time and distance considerably, from the current 14-15 hours to only 8-9 hours, and from {{cvt|640|km}} to {{cvt|519|km}}. Once completed, these regions, along with Nepal with the advantage of close proximity to the expressway's route, will see exponential growth with the growth of industries and socio-economic development by promoting employment among people living in the regions, which the regions currently lack altogether. The expressway will have four lanes, and in its between, a 100×100 m space will be left, for two more lanes, to expand the expressway into six lanes at a future date. It will be built at a cost of ₹ 32,000 crore, and will be completed by 2025, which was earlier scheduled at 2028/29.<ref name="LatestNews"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Gorakhpur – Siliguri Expressway – Information & Status|url=https://themetrorailguy.com/nhai-gorakhpur-siliguri-expressway-route-map-status-update/|work=The Metro Rail Guy|access-date=15 March 2023|language=en}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Route==<br />
{{lengths table|length_ref=<ref name="bangla-hindustantimes"/>}}<br />
|-<br />
|[[Uttar Pradesh|UP]]<br />
|{{convert|52.4|mi|km|disp=table}}<br />
|-<br />
|[[Bihar|BH]]<br />
|{{convert|258.6|mi|km|disp=table}}<br />
|-<br />
|[[West Bengal|WB]]<br />
|{{convert|11.79|mi|km|disp=table}}<br />
|-<br />
|'''Total'''<br />
|{{convert|322.85|mi|km|disp=table}}<br />
|}<br />
<br />
===Uttar Pradesh===<br />
{{see also|List of districts of Uttar Pradesh}}<br />
The expressway will start from the Gorakhpur Ring Road, or [[National Highway 27 (India)|National Highway 27 (East–West Corridor)]] (NH-27) at [[Gorakhpur]], [[Gorakhpur district]], and will run mostly parallel with NH-27. It will connect the following districts along with their cities:<ref name="HT"/><br />
<br />
* [[Deoria district]]<br />
* [[Kushinagar]], [[Kushinagar district]]<br />
<br />
===Bihar===<br />
{{see also|List of districts of Bihar}}<br />
The expressway will pass through the following districts along with their cities:<ref>{{cite news |title=Gorakhpur to Siliguri 519 km long expressway dpr ready will pass through these 3 districts of UP |url=https://www.theindiaprint.com/national-news-english/gorakhpur-to-siliguri-519-km-long-expressway-dpr-ready-will-pass-through-these-3-districts-of-up-257027 |access-date=26 July 2022 |publisher=www.theindiaprint.com}}</ref><br />
<br />
* [[Gopalganj district, India|Gopalganj district]]<br />
* [[West Champaran district]]<br />
* [[Motihari]], [[East Champaran district]] <br />
* [[Sheohar]], [[Sheohar district]]<br />
* [[Sitamarhi]], [[Sitamarhi district]]<br />
* [[Darbhanga district]]<br />
* [[Madhubani, Bihar|Madhubani]], [[Madhubani district]]<br />
* [[Supaul district]]<br />
* [[Forbesganj]], [[Araria district]]<br />
* Araria district (continuation, will not pass through the city of [[Araria]])<br />
* [[Kishanganj district]]<br />
<br />
===West Bengal===<br />
{{see also|List of districts of West Bengal}}<br />
The expressway will terminate again at NH-27 at [[Siliguri]], [[Darjeeling district]], and will pass through the following district along with its city before terminating:<ref name="HT"/><ref name="bangla-hindustantimes">{{cite news |title=Greenfield expressway: মাত্র ৬ ঘণ্টায় শিলিগুড়ি থেকে গোরখপুর! ভারতমালা প্রকল্পে তৈরি হবে গ্রিনফিল্ড এক্সপ্রেসওয়ে |url=https://bangla.hindustantimes.com/ |access-date=26 July 2022 |publisher=bangla.hindustantimes.com|language=bn}}</ref><br />
<br />
* [[Islampur, Uttar Dinajpur|Islampur]], [[Uttar Dinajpur district]]<br />
<br />
==Construction==<br />
The expressway will be fully four-lane, [[Controlled-access highway| access-controlled]] and a [[greenfield project]], with a provision of expanding it into six lanes and an extension from [[Siliguri]] to [[Guwahati]] in [[Assam]], at a future date. The alignment lies mostly along the [[India–Nepal border]] on its northern side and the [[National Highway 27 (India)|National Highway 27 (East-West Corridor)]] on its southern side. The expressway will be built using the [[Engineering, Procurement and Construction]] (EPC) technology, which provides and ensures security, liability caps, and a performance guarantee for an infrastructure. The land acquisition for the project began in May 2022, and is underway. The tenders were launched by the [[National Highways Authority of India]] (NHAI) in January 2023. The expressway's [[Project plan|Detailed Project Report]] (DPR) was completed by the [[Bhopal]]-based firm, L.N. Malviya Infra Projects Private Limited. Currently, the project is under bidding process and land acquisition. The expressway will be built at a cost of ₹ 32,000 crore, and as of March 2023, the package division for the project is underway, and so far, it has been divided into five packages. The following table lists the packages, contractors and their statuses.<ref>{{cite news|title=Nitin Gadkari announces Rs 32k cr Gorakhpur-Siliguri greenfield e-way|url=https://infra.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/roads-highways/gadkari-announces-construction-of-greenfield-expressway-from-gorakhpur-to-siliguri-via-bihar/88723730|work=The Economic Times|date=6 January 2022|access-date=15 March 2023|language=en}}</ref><ref name="LatestNews"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Gorakhpur – Siliguri Expressway – Information & Status|url=https://themetrorailguy.com/nhai-gorakhpur-siliguri-expressway-route-map-status-update/|work=The Metro Rail Guy|access-date=15 March 2023|language=en}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Uttar Pradesh===<br />
{|class= 'wikitable sortable'<br />
|-<br />
!Packages<br />
!Chainages{{efn|Distances from the origin of the expressway, i.e., [[Gorakhpur]].}}<br />
!Contractor<br />
!Status<br />
|-<br />
|'''Package-1'''<br />
|Gorakhpur Ring Road ([[Gorakhpur district]]) to Uttar Pradesh-Bihar border (0.000 km to 84.400 km)<br />
|TBD<br />
|Bidding process and land acquisition underway<br />
|}<br />
===Bihar===<br />
{|class= 'wikitable sortable'<br />
|-<br />
!Packages<br />
!Chainages<br />
!Contractor<br />
!Status<br />
|-<br />
|'''Package-1'''<br />
|Junction with [[National Highway 27 (India)|National Highway 27 (East-West Corridor)]] at [[Forbesganj]], [[Araria district]] (361.700 km to 382.950 km)<br />
|TBD<br />
|Bidding process underway<br />
|-<br />
|'''Package-2'''<br />
|Junction with [[National Highway 327 (India)|National Highway 327]] at [[Kishanganj district]] to Bihar-West Bengal border (497.600 to 505.700 km)<br />
|TBD <br />
|Bidding process underway<br />
|-<br />
|'''Package-3'''<br />
|TBA<br />
|TBD<br />
|Bidding process underway<br />
|}<br />
===West Bengal===<br />
{|class= 'wikitable sortable'<br />
|-<br />
!Packages<br />
!Chainages<br />
!Contractor<br />
!Status<br />
|-<br />
|'''Package-1'''<br />
|Junction with [[National Highway 27 (India)|National Highway 27 (East-West Corridor)]] at [[Bagdogra]], [[Darjeeling district]] (519.570 km)<br />
|TBD<br />
|Bidding process underway<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Benefits==<br />
The expressway will benefit [[Eastern India|Eastern]] and [[Northeast India]] as well as [[Nepal]] by many ways, as follows:<ref>{{cite news|title=Gorakhpur Siliguri Expressway Project Complete Details|url=https://timesproperty.com/news/post/gorakhpur-siliguri-expressway-project-details-blid3894|work=[[The Times of India|Times Property]]|date=14 February 2023|access-date=15 March 2023|language=en}}</ref><br />
<br />
*'''Trade:''' The expressway will help to boost trade by faster transportation of cargo from Eastern India, especially from Northeast India, as well as Nepal, and also because in the future it will be extended to [[Guwahati]], resulting in growth in exports and reduced dependency on imports, thus enhancing the growth of the regions' economies and the growth of [[Economy of Nepal|Nepal's economy]].<br />
*'''Tourism:''' As this expressway will create a direct link from mainland India to Northeast India, it will result in a boost in tourist arrivals to northeast, as it is well known for its geography and environment. The rise in tourist arrivals will mark the growth and development of all dotted tourist attractions and destinations, including larger ones, all over the northeast region. It will also help Nepal in this respect, as it will create greater and faster accessibility, due to its proximity near the [[India–Nepal border]].<br />
*'''Connectivity:''' The expressway will not only create a direct route from Gorakhpur to Northeast India, but will also connect the northeast region, along with the eastern half of Nepal, directly with the rest of India, through other expressways. For example, the connection with the [[New Delhi|national capital]] directly from Guwahati and [[Kathmandu]] will be created with the help of Gorakhpur–[[Shamli]] Expressway, and with the [[Mumbai|financial capital]] with the help of [[Delhi–Mumbai Expressway]]. This network will ensure faster, safet and better commute between the northeast region as well as Nepal.<br />
*'''Protection of the Environment:''' To protect the green cover, plants and trees will be planted in between and both sides along the entire route of the expressway.<br />
*'''Employment:''' Due to increase in industrial activities along the expressway's route, various agricultural and industrial initiatives will help the states' economies and growth, along with Nepal. The establishment of these numerous centres will result in multiple job possibilities for thousands of people living in both the states and the neighbouring country.<br />
==Status updates==<br />
*'''2021:''' The plan of the expressway was proposed by the [[Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (India)|Ministry of Road Transport and Highways]] (MoRTH).<ref>{{cite news|title=Gorakhpur Siliguri Expressway Project Complete Details|url=https://timesproperty.com/news/post/gorakhpur-siliguri-expressway-project-details-blid3894|work=[[The Times of India|Times Property]]|date=14 February 2023|access-date=15 March 2023|language=en}}</ref><br />
*'''May 2022:''' Land acquisition began for the project.<ref>{{cite news|title=Gorakhpur Siliguri Expressway Project Complete Details|url=https://timesproperty.com/news/post/gorakhpur-siliguri-expressway-project-details-blid3894|work=[[The Times of India|Times Property]]|date=14 February 2023|access-date=15 March 2023|language=en}}</ref><br />
*'''January 2023:''' The [[National Highways Authority of India]] (NHAI) invited tenders for the project.<ref>{{cite news|title=Gorakhpur Siliguri Expressway Project Complete Details|url=https://timesproperty.com/news/post/gorakhpur-siliguri-expressway-project-details-blid3894|work=[[The Times of India|Times Property]]|date=14 February 2023|access-date=15 March 2023|language=en}}</ref><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
<br />
* [[Transport in Bihar#Expressways|Expressways in Bihar]]<br />
* [[List of state highways in Chhattisgarh#Expressways|Expressways in Chattisgarh]]<br />
* [[Expressways of India]]<br />
* [[National Highway 27 (India)|National Highway 27 (East-West Corridor)]] (NH-27)<br />
* [[India–Nepal border]]<br />
<br />
== Notes ==<br />
{{notelist}}<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gorakhpur - Siliguri Expressway}}<br />
[[Category:Proposed expressways in India]]<br />
[[Category:Proposed infrastructure in Bihar]]<br />
[[Category:Proposed infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh]]<br />
[[Category:Proposed infrastructure in West Bengal]]<br />
[[Category:Expressways in West Bengal]]<br />
[[Category:Transport in Gorakhpur]]<br />
[[Category:Transport in Siliguri]]<br />
[[Category:Expressways in Uttar Pradesh]]<br />
[[Category:Expressways in Bihar]]</div>Ankitjoshi0806https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Atal_Progress-Way&diff=432345Atal Progress-Way2023-08-19T14:15:35Z<p>Ankitjoshi0806: New article</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2023}}<br />
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2023}}<br />
{{Infobox road<br />
|header_type= proposed<br />
|country=IND<br />
|name = Atal Progress-Way<br />
|alternate_name = Chambal Expressway <br />
|map=<br />
|map_notes=<br />
|length_km= 404<br />
|direction_a= West<br />
|direction_b= East<br />
|terminus_a= Seemalya, [[Kota district]], Rajasthan<br />
|junction=<br />
|terminus_b= Nanawa, [[Etawah district]], Uttar Pradesh<br />
|formed= 2027 (expected)<ref>{{cite news|title=Atal Progressway (Chambal Expressway) – Information & Status|url=https://themetrorailguy.com/nhai-chambal-expressway-route-map-status-update-tenders/|work=The Metro Rail Guy|access-date=19 March 2023}}</ref><br />
|states= [[Rajasthan]], [[Madhya Pradesh]] and [[Uttar Pradesh]]<br />
|cities= [[Kota, Rajasthan|Kota]], [[Sheopur]], [[Sabalgarh]], [[Morena]], [[Gwalior]], [[Bhind]] and [[Etawah]] <br />
|maint= [[National Highways Authority of India]] (NHAI)<br />
}}<br />
'''Atal Progress-Way''', also known as '''Chambal Expressway''', is an approved {{cvt|404|km}} long, four-lane (expandable to 6) [[Controlled-access highway|access-controlled]] [[Greenfield land|greenfield]] expressway, which will connect the city of [[Kota, Rajasthan|Kota]] in [[Rajasthan]] with the city of [[Etawah]] in [[Uttar Pradesh]], through the famous city of [[Gwalior]] in [[Madhya Pradesh]]. It will pass through three states–Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The expressway is a part of [[Bharatmala|Bharatmala Pariyojana]].<ref name="financialexpress">{{cite news |title=Development of Highway sector in MP: Centre incorporates Atal Progress-Way in Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-1 |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/roadways/development-of-highway-sector-in-mp-centre-incorporates-atal-progress-way-in-bharatmala-pariyojana-phase-1/2314372/ |access-date=18 January 2023 |publisher=www.financialexpress.com |date=20 August 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="indianconstructioninfo">{{cite web |title=Chambal Expressway aka Atal Progressway Complete Project Details |url=https://indianconstructioninfo.com/chambal-expressway/ |website=www.indianconstructioninfo.com |access-date=18 January 2023 |language=en}}</ref> The [[Government of India|government]]'s aim is to develop the economically backward regions of [[Chambal division]] and [[Gwalior division]] of Madhya Pradesh through the expressway.<ref name="timesofindia">{{cite news |author1=Ankur Sirthia |title=With Atal Progress Way, govt aims to uplift Madhya Pradesh’s hinterland |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/with-atal-progress-way-govt-aims-to-uplift-mps-hinterland/articleshow/85606770.cms |access-date=18 January 2023 |agency=The Times of India |publisher=timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=25 August 2021 |location=Bhopal |language=en}}</ref> The expressway will reduce both travel time and distance, from 10-11 hours at present, to only 6-7 hours, and from {{cvt|490|km}} to {{cvt|404|km}}. It will be built at a cost of approximately ₹ 23,700 crore, which was earlier slated at ₹ 20,000 crore.<ref name="livemint">{{cite news |title=Gadkari says Atal Progressway will change the face of up-mp-Rajasthan's highways |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/gadkari-says-atal-progressway-will-change-the-face-of-up-mp-rajasthan-s-highways-11663290846621.html |access-date=18 January 2023 |agency=Mint |publisher=www.livemint.com |date=16 September 2022 |language=en}}</ref> The expressway has been named as ''Atal Progress-Way'' after the former [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]], [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]], and also because he was born in Gwalior, nearby which the expressway will pass.<ref>{{cite news|title=Chambal Progress Way To Be Named After Atal Bihari Vajpayee: Shivraj Chouhan|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/300-km-long-chambal-progress-way-to-be-named-after-atal-bihari-vajpayee-shivraj-singh-chouhan-2280298|work=NDTV|date=16 August 2020|access-date=16 March 2023|language=en}}</ref><br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
To improve connectivity, tourism, development and economic growth in the economically backward regions of south-eastern [[Rajasthan]] and northern [[Madhya Pradesh]], the [[Government of Madhya Pradesh]] planned to build an expressway from [[Kota, Rajasthan|Kota]] to [[Etawah]], in 2017.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chambal Expressway aka Atal Progressway Complete Project Details|url=https://indianconstructioninfo.com/chambal-expressway/|work=indianconstructioninfo.com|access-date=16 March 2023|language=en}}</ref> The expressway will reduce both travel time and distance, from {{cvt|475|km}} to {{cvt|404|km}}, and from 10-11 hours to only 6-7 hours.<ref>{{cite news|title=Centre incorporates MP's Atal Progress-Way in highways sector project|url=https://wap.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/centre-incorporates-mp-s-atal-progress-way-in-highways-sector-project-121081901255_1.html|work=Business Standard|date=19 August 2021|access-date=16 March 2023|language=en}}</ref> Once completed, these regions will see exponential growth with the growth of industries and socio-economic development by promoting employment among people living in the regions, which the regions currently lack altogether. The [[List of Chief Ministers of Madhya Pradesh|Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh]], [[Shivraj Singh Chauhan]], laid the [[Cornerstone|foundation stone]] for the project, in September 2020.<ref>{{cite news|title=Chambal Atal Progress-Way will open doors for regions’ devpt: CM|url=https://www.thehitavada.com/Encyc/2020/9/11/Chambal-Atal-Progress-Way-will-open-doors-for-regions-devpt-CM.html|work=The Hitavada|date=11 September 2020|access-date=16 March 2023|language=en}}</ref> The [[Government of India]] included the expressway in [[Bharatmala|Bharatmala Pariyojana's Phase-I]] in August 2021.<ref name="drishtiias">{{cite web |title=Atal Progress Way Included in Bharatmala Phase-1 |url=https://www.drishtiias.com/state-pcs-current-affairs/atal-progress-way-included-in-bharatmala-phase-1 |website=www.drishtiias.com |access-date=18 January 2023 |language=en}}</ref> The [[Government of Madhya Pradesh|Cabinet of Madhya Pradesh]] approved the project in October 2021.<ref name="infra">{{cite web |title=Madhya Pradesh cabinet approves 404 km highway connecting Rajasthan, MP, UP |url=https://infra.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/roads-highways/madhya-pradesh-cabinet-approves-404-km-highway-connecting-rajasthan-mp-up/86810063 |website=infra.economictimes.indiatimes.com |access-date=18 January 2023 |language=en}}</ref> In June 2022, the [[National Highways Authority of India]] (NHAI) applied for environmental clearance for the project, as it will pass through a small section of the [[Kuno National Park]]. The land acquisition for the project also began in the same month. In December 2022, the NHAI issued tender notices for the project's construction. The project will be built at a cost of ₹ 23,645 crore, which was earlier slated at ₹ 20,000 crore, and is expected to be completed by 2027.<ref>{{cite news|title=Atal Progressway (Chambal Expressway) – Information & Status|url=https://themetrorailguy.com/nhai-chambal-expressway-route-map-status-update-tenders/|work=The Metro Rail Guy|access-date=19 March 2023}}</ref><br />
<br />
== Route ==<br />
{{lengths table|length_ref=<ref name="indianconstructioninfo"/>}}<br />
|-<br />
|[[Rajasthan|RJ]]<br />
|{{convert|44.739|mi|km|disp=table}}<br />
|-<br />
|[[Madhya Pradesh|MP]]<br />
|{{convert|194.992|mi|km|disp=table}}<br />
|-<br />
|[[Uttar Pradesh|UP]]<br />
|{{convert|14.267|mi|km|disp=table}}<br />
|-<br />
|'''Total'''<br />
|{{convert|253.998|mi|km|disp=table}}<br />
|}<br />
<br />
[[File:Chambal_River_near_Kota,_Rajasthan.jpg|thumb|right|[[Chambal River]] flowing through a valley in [[Rajasthan]]. The expressway will run along the route of the river.]]<br />
The expressway will run alongside the route of the [[Chambal River]].<ref name="forestsclearance">{{cite web |title=Consultancy Services for preparation of Final Feasibility Study Report of Atal Progress way |url=https://forestsclearance.nic.in/DownloadPdfFile.aspx?FileName=0_0_41115121212191ExecutiveSummaryofDPR_AtalProgressway.pdf&FilePath=../writereaddata/Addinfo/ |website=forestsclearance |access-date=18 January 2023 |language=en}}</ref> It will run through the following states and their regions:<br />
<br />
=== Rajasthan ===<br />
{{see also|List of districts of Rajasthan}}<br />
The western end of the expressway will be located at Seemalya village in [[Kota district]], and will start with an interchange to the [[Delhi–Mumbai Expressway]]. The expressway will cover a distance of {{cvt|72|km}} within [[Rajasthan]].<ref name="indianconstructioninfo"/><br />
<br />
=== Madhya Pradesh ===<br />
{{see also|List of districts of Madhya Pradesh}}<br />
The expressway will cover the following districts along with their cities:<br />
<br />
* [[Sheopur]], [[Sheopur district]]<br />
* [[Sabalgarh]], [[Morena district]]<br />
* [[Morena]], Morena district<br />
* [[Bhind]], [[Bhind district]] <br />
It will cover a total distance of {{cvt|313|km}} within [[Madhya Pradesh]].<ref name="indianconstructioninfo"/> To link [[Gwalior]], an interchange will be built at Morena along the Agra–Gwalior Expressway.<br />
<br />
=== Uttar Pradesh ===<br />
{{see also|List of districts of Uttar Pradesh}}<br />
The eastern end of the expressway will be located at Nanawa village in [[Etawah district]], from where a spur will be built to connect the expressway with [[Agra–Lucknow Expressway]]. It will cover a total distance of {{cvt|23|km}} within [[Uttar Pradesh]].<br />
<br />
==Construction==<br />
The expressway will be fully four-lane, [[Controlled-access highway| access-controlled]] and a [[Greenfield land|greenfield]] project, with a provision of expanding it into six lanes at a future date, by leaving a space in between it, with a width of 100 metres in the [[Madhya Pradesh]] section, and 60 metres in [[Rajasthan]] and [[Uttar Pradesh]] sections. The land acquisition of the project after the environmental clearance began in June 2022, and the bidding process for the project's construction was started by the [[National Highways Authority of India]] (NHAI) in December 2022. The expressway will be built using the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) mode of construction. Currently, the project is under bidding, land acquisition and [[Project plan|Detailed Project Report]] (DPR) preparation, which is being prepared by the [[Bhopal]]-based firm, after forming a [[joint venture]] with another firm, L.N. Malviya Infra Projects – Pioneer Infra Consultants JV. The project has been divided into six packages, while the package division for the [[Uttar Pradesh]] section is still underway. The following table lists the packages, contractors and their statuses.<ref>{{cite news|title=Atal Progressway (Chambal Expressway) – Information & Status|url=https://themetrorailguy.com/nhai-chambal-expressway-route-map-status-update-tenders/|work=The Metro Rail Guy|access-date=24 March 2023}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Rajasthan===<br />
{|class= 'wikitable sortable'<br />
|-<br />
!Packages<br />
!Chainages{{efn|Distances from the origin of the expressway, i.e., [[Kota, Rajasthan|Kota]].}}<br />
!Contractor<br />
!Status<br />
|-<br />
|'''Package-1'''<br />
|TBD<br />
|TBD <br />
|Bidding process underway<br />
|-<br />
|'''Package-2'''<br />
|TBD <br />
|TBD <br />
|Bidding process underway <br />
|}<br />
===Madhya Pradesh===<br />
{|class= 'wikitable sortable'<br />
|-<br />
!Packages<br />
!Chainages<br />
!Contractor<br />
!Status<br />
|-<br />
|'''Package-1'''<br />
|Sada ka Pada village to Chhavar village (94.100 km to 155.000 km), [[Sheopur district]]<br />
|TBA<br />
|Bidding process and land acquisition underway<br />
|-<br />
|'''Package-2'''<br />
|Chhavar to Jhundpura ([[Morena district]]) (155.400 km to 206.000 km)<br />
|TBA<br />
|Bidding process and land acquisition underway<br />
|-<br />
|'''Package-3'''<br />
|Jhundpura to Maithana village (206.000 km 265.000 km), Morena district<br />
|TBA<br />
|Bidding process and land acquisition underway <br />
|-<br />
|'''Package-4'''<br />
|Maithana village to Kuretha village (265.000 km 312.950 km), Morena district <br />
|TBA <br />
|Bidding process and land acquisition underway <br />
|}<br />
<br />
The remaining stretch till [[Etawah]] is under package division and bidding process.<br />
<br />
==Benefits==<br />
The expressway will benefit [[Central India]] as well as [[Eastern India]] as follows:<ref>{{cite web|title=Chambal Expressway aka Atal Progressway Complete Project Details|url=https://indianconstructioninfo.com/chambal-expressway/|work=indianconstructioninfo.com|access-date=16 March 2023|language=en}}</ref><br />
<br />
*'''Trade:''' The expressway will help in direct transportation of cargo from Eastern India to [[Western India]], as currently, though a connection exists via the [[National Highway 27 (India)|National Highway 27 (East-West Corridor)]] (NH-27), but it has become constrained and experiences high traffic and long delays in transport to facilitate trade. The expressway will become an alternative to that route and will relieve pressure on NH-27, thus resulting in the growth of the overall national economy, by reducing dependency on imports and increasing exports.<br />
<br />
*'''Tourism:''' The expressway will help to facilitate tourism in northern Madhya Pradesh, as it has the presence of several tourist spots as well as major tourist destinations, like [[Gwalior]] and wildlife parks, sanctuaries, like [[Ranthambore National Park]] and [[Kuno National Park]], which are well known for their tiger reserves and other animals and activities for tourists, and Kuno for its tigers and recently introduced [[Cheetah]]s. The rise in tourist arrivals will mark the growth of adjoining regions and towns along with cities nearby.<br />
<br />
*'''Connectivity:''' The expressway will not only create a direct route from [[Kota, Rajasthan|Kota]] to [[Etawah]], but will also create a direct route from Eastern and Northeast India to Western India. For example, goods and people could be transported directly to [[Mumbai]] from [[Kolkata]], as well as from [[Guwahati]] and other [[Northeast India|north-eastern states]], via the [[Varanasi–Kolkata Expressway]] and [[Purvanchal Expressway]], [[Agra–Lucknow Expressway]], Atal Progress-Way and the [[Delhi–Mumbai Expressway]] (Atal P-Way begins from there), thus resulting in faster, better and safer commute in the northern part of the country.<br />
<br />
*'''Protection of the Environment:''' To ensure the protection of the green cover, plants and trees will be planted in between and along the entire route of the expressway, and to avoid excess deforestation through the section of Kuno National Park, sustainable methods of construction will be used.<br />
<br />
*'''Employment:''' Due to increase in industrial activities along the expressway's route, various agricultural and industrial initiatives to help the state's economy and growth. The establishment of these numerous centres will result in multiple job possibilities for thousands of people living in both the states.<br />
<br />
==Environmental concerns==<br />
In July 2022, in a meeting of the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the [[Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (India)|Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change]] (MoEFCC), the EAC raised concerns on the alignment of the expressway's [[Sheopur district|Sheopur]] and [[Morena district|Morena]] districts, due to the high presence of the well- known rugged eroded topography, the [[Chambal (region)#Geography|ravines of the Chambal region]], or also known as the 'bad lands'. The construction in these parts will cause the soil to get further eroded, thus exposing the parent rock, which may result in a harm to the surrounding environment and other unaffected areas by drought, and the permenent stoppage of any agricultural activities on the entire region. If these changes occur, it would be irreversible to change back to the land what it was before and the efforts taken to turn ravines into normal, plain land. So the Ministry advised the [[National Highways Authority of India]] (NHAI) to change the alignment of the expressway. In view of this, the NHAI changed the route by taking a new land survey, as far from the ravines as possible, and to ensure as much as impacts to be created on the socio-economic development of the entire Chambal region after the expressway's completion.<ref>{{cite news|title=Environment {{sic|hide=y|Minist|ery}} objects to Atal Progress way|url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2022/state-editions/environment-ministery-objects-to-atal-progress-way.html|work=The Pioneer|date=19 July 2022|access-date=16 March 2023|language=en}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Status updates==<br />
*'''2017:''' The plan of the expressway was proposed by the [[Government of Madhya Pradesh]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Chambal Expressway aka Atal Progressway Complete Project Details|url=https://indianconstructioninfo.com/chambal-expressway/|work=indianconstructioninfo.com|access-date=16 March 2023|language=en}}</ref><br />
*'''September 2020:''' The [[Cornerstone|foundation stone]] for the project was laid by the [[List of Chief Ministers of Madhya Pradesh|Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh]], [[Shivraj Singh Chauhan]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Chambal Atal Progress-Way will open doors for regions’ devpt: CM|url=https://www.thehitavada.com/Encyc/2020/9/11/Chambal-Atal-Progress-Way-will-open-doors-for-regions-devpt-CM.html|work=The Hitavada|date=11 September 2020|access-date=16 March 2023|language=en}}</ref><br />
*'''August 2021:''' The [[Government of India]] approved the project and included it in [[Bharatmala|Bharatmala Pariyojana's Phase-I]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Centre incorporates MP's Atal Progress-Way in highways sector project|url=https://wap.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/centre-incorporates-mp-s-atal-progress-way-in-highways-sector-project-121081901255_1.html|work=Business Standard|date=19 August 2021|access-date=16 March 2023|language=en}}</ref><br />
*'''October 2021:''' The [[Government of Madhya Pradesh|Cabinet of Madhya Pradesh]] approved the project.<ref name="infra">{{cite web |title=Madhya Pradesh cabinet approves 404 km highway connecting Rajasthan, MP, UP |url=https://infra.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/roads-highways/madhya-pradesh-cabinet-approves-404-km-highway-connecting-rajasthan-mp-up/86810063 |website=infra.economictimes.indiatimes.com |access-date=18 January 2023 |language=en}}</ref><br />
*'''June 2022:''' The [[National Highways Authority of India]] (NHAI) applied for environmental clearance for the project, as it will pass through a small section of the [[Kuno National Park]], and also began land acquisition for the project.<br />
*'''December 2022:''' The NHAI issued tender notices for the project's construction.<br />
*'''March 2023:''' 16 firms bid for the project's first two packages in the [[Madhya Pradesh]] section.<br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
* [[Expressways of India]]<br />
<br />
== Notes ==<br />
{{notelist}}<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Proposed expressways in India]]<br />
[[Category:Proposed infrastructure in Madhya Pradesh]]<br />
[[Category:Proposed infrastructure in Rajasthan]]<br />
[[Category:Proposed infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh]]<br />
[[Category:Transport in Kota, Rajasthan]]<br />
[[Category:Expressways in Madhya Pradesh]]</div>Ankitjoshi0806https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Legion_of_Merit&diff=388116Legion of Merit2022-12-01T20:01:23Z<p>Ankitjoshi0806: Added page draft.</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Short description|Military award of the United States Armed Forces}}<br />
{{About|the United States decoration|the Chilean order|Legion of Merit of Chile|the Rhodesian order|Legion of Merit (Rhodesia)}}<br />
{{Use American English|date = April 2019}}<br />
{{Use mdy dates|date = April 2019}}<br />
{{Infobox military award<br />
|name=Legion of Merit<br />
|image=Us legion of merit legionnaire.png<br />
|image_size=150px<br />
|caption=<br />
|presenter=[[United States Department of the Army]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://govdocs.rutgers.edu/mil/army/r600_8_22.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2018-01-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111110243/http://govdocs.rutgers.edu/mil/army/r600_8_22.pdf |archive-date=2018-01-11 |url-status=dead }}</ref><br/>[[United States Department of the Navy]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://awards.navy.mil/awards/webdoc01.nsf/(vwDocsByID)/DL060927142728/$file/1650.1H.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2018-01-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100918020113/https://awards.navy.mil/awards/webdoc01.nsf/(vwDocsByID)/DL060927142728/$file/1650.1H.pdf |archive-date=2010-09-18 |url-status=dead }}</ref><br/>[[United States Department of the Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/publication/afi36-2803/afi36-2803.pdf |title=Production publication |website=static.e-publishing.af.mil |access-date=January 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009034825/http://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/publication/afi36-2803/afi36-2803.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref><br/>[[United States Department of Homeland Security]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://media.defense.gov/2017/Mar/29/2001723556/-1/-1/0/CIM_1650_25E.PDF |title=Data |website=media.defense.gov |access-date=January 10, 2018 |archive-date=September 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904105203/https://media.defense.gov/2017/Mar/29/2001723556/-1/-1/0/CIM_1650_25E.PDF |url-status=live }}</ref><br />
|type=[[Order of merit]]<br />
|eligibility=Members of the [[Uniformed Services of the United States]] and political and military leaders of allied states.<br />
|awarded_for=Exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements<br />
|status=Currently awarded<br />
|firstawarded=1942<br />
|lastawarded=<br />
|total_awarded=<br />
|total_awarded_posthumously=<br />
|total_recipients=<br />
|individual=<br />
|higher=[[Defense Superior Service Medal]]<br />
|same=<br />
|lower=[[Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)|Distinguished Flying Cross]]<br />
|image2=[[File:Legion of Merit ribbon.svg|border|124px]]<br />
|caption2=[[Service ribbon]]<br />
}}<br />
<br />
The '''Legion of Merit''' ('''LOM''') is a [[Awards and decorations of the United States military|military award]] of the [[United States Armed Forces]] that is given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. The decoration is issued to members of the eight [[uniformed services of the United States]]<ref name="ranks">[http://beta.congress.gov/bill/112th/senate-bill/2388/text] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112070235/http://beta.congress.gov/bill/112th/senate-bill/2388/text }} Note: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Amendments Act of 2012 amended the Legion of Merit to be awarded to any uniformed service.</ref> as well as to military and political figures of foreign governments.<br />
<br />
The Legion of Merit (Commander degree) is one of only two United States military decorations to be issued as a [[neck order]] (the other being the [[Medal of Honor]]), and the only United States military decoration that may be issued in degrees (much like an [[Order (honour)|order of chivalry]] or certain [[Order of Merit (disambiguation)|Orders of Merit]]), although the degrees including a neck ribbon are only awarded to non-U.S. nationals.<ref name="neckorderLOM">{{cite web|url=http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Awards/legion_of_merit.aspx |title=Legion of Merit |work=Awards |publisher=Institute of Heraldry |access-date=April 26, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331032923/http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Awards/legion_of_merit.aspx |archive-date=March 31, 2012 }}</ref><ref name="typessecnav">[http://www.cmohs.org/medal/medal_types.htm "Types of the Medal of Honor: 1862 To Present."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060718123749/http://www.cmohs.org/medal/medal_types.htm }} ''Congressional Medal of Honor Society''. Retrieved: July 23, 2006.</ref><br />
<br />
The Legion of Merit is seventh in the [[Awards and decorations of the United States military#Active United States medals and ribbons|order of precedence]] of all U.S. military awards and is worn after the [[Defense Superior Service Medal]] and before the [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)|Distinguished Flying Cross]].<ref>Department of Defense Manual 1348.33-V3. http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/134833vol3.pdf {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303171345/http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/134833vol3.pdf }}. Retrieved Assistant 20 August 2014.</ref> In contemporary use in the U.S. Armed Forces, the Legion of Merit is typically awarded to Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force [[general officers]] and [[Colonel (United States)|colonel]]s, and Navy and Coast Guard [[flag officers]] and [[captain (United States O-6)|captain]]s occupying senior command or very senior staff positions in their respective services. It may also be awarded to officers of lesser rank, senior [[Warrant officer (United States)|warrant officers]] (typically in command positions at the rank of chief warrant officer 5), and to very senior enlisted personnel (typically in the rank of [[sergeant major#United States Army|command sergeant major]] and [[Sergeant Major of the Army]] in the Army, [[Master chief petty officer|fleet master chief petty officer]] and [[Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy]] in the Navy, [[command chief master sergeant]] and [[Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force]] in the Air Force, [[command chief master sergeant]] and [[Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force]] in the Space Force, and [[Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps]] in the Marine Corps), but these instances are less frequent, typically by exception, and the circumstances vary by branch of service.<br />
<br />
Authority to award the Legion of Merit is reserved for [[general officer]]s and [[flag officer]]s in pay grade O-9 (i.e., [[lieutenant general]], [[vice admiral]]) and above, civilian [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]] personnel at assistant service secretary or [[Assistant Secretary of Defense]] level and above, or equivalent secretary-level civilian personnel with the [[Department of Homeland Security]] with direct oversight of the [[U.S. Coast Guard]].<br />
<br />
==Criteria==<br />
The degrees of Chief Commander, Commander, Officer, and Legionnaire are awarded only to members of armed forces of foreign nations under the criteria outlined in Army Regulation 672-7 and is based on the relative rank or position of the recipient as follows:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2008/julqtr/32cfr578.13.htm|title=Legion of Merit.|access-date=June 26, 2011|archive-date=November 12, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081112034853/http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2008/julqtr/32cfr578.13.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><br />
<br />
:#'''Chief Commander''': [[Head of state]] or [[Head of government|government]]. However, this degree was awarded by President Roosevelt to some Allied World War II theater commanders, usually for joint amphibious landings or invasions. (The President had this power under {{Executive Order|9260}} of October 29, 1942, paragraph 3b.<ref>Executive Order 9260 of October 29, 1942 http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=58838 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004140450/http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=58838 }}</ref>)<br />
:#'''Commander''': Equivalent of a U.S. military chief of staff or higher position, but not to a head of state.<br />
:#'''Officer''': [[General officer|General]] or [[flag officer]] below the equivalent of a U.S. military chief of staff; [[colonel]] or equivalent rank (e.g., Navy or Coast Guard [[Captain (United States O-6)|captain]]) for service in assignments equivalent to those normally held by a general or flag officer in U.S. military service; or [[military attaché]]s.<br />
:#'''Legionnaire''': All recipients not included above.<br />
<br />
When the Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the uniformed services of the United States, it is awarded without reference to degree. The criteria are "for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements" and is typically reserved for senior officers at O-6 level and above, typically in connection with senior leadership/command positions or other senior positions of significant responsibility.{{cn}}<br />
<br />
* The performance must have been such as to merit recognition of key individuals for service rendered in a clearly exceptional manner.<br />
* Performance of duties normal to the grade, branch, specialty, or assignment, and experience of an individual is not an adequate basis for this award.<br />
* For service not related to actual war, the term "key individual" applies to a narrower range of positions than in time of war and requires evidence of significant achievement.<br />
* In peacetime, service should be in the nature of a special requirement or of an extremely difficult duty performed in an unprecedented and clearly exceptional manner.<br />
* However, justification of the award may accrue by virtue of exceptionally meritorious service in a succession of important positions.<br />
<br />
The degrees and the design of the decoration were influenced by the French [[Legion of Honour]] (''Légion d'honneur'').<ref>{{cite book|last1=Borch III|first1=Fred L.|title=Medals for Soldiers and Airmen: Awards and Decorations of the United States Army and Air Force|publisher=McFarland & Company Inc.|location=Jefferson|isbn=9780786474127|page=124|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9Hv6St9HxmYC|access-date=29 August 2015|archive-date=October 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003045841/https://books.google.com/books?id=9Hv6St9HxmYC|url-status=live}}</ref><br />
<br />
==History==<br />
<br />
[[File:Legion of Merit ribbon with "V" device (USN and USMC).svg|thumb|Legion of Merit with golden [["V" device]] (as used by USN and USMC) denoting combat bravery; the "V" device ceased being awarded with the Legion of Merit in 2017.]]<br />
<br />
===World War II===<br />
<br />
Although recommendations for creation of a medal for meritorious service were initiated as early as September 1937, no formal action was taken toward approval.<br />
<br />
In a letter to the Quartermaster General (QMG) dated December 24, 1941, the Adjutant General formally requested action be initiated to create a meritorious service medal, and provide designs in the event the decoration was established. Proposed designs prepared by Bailey, Banks, and Biddle, and the Office of the Quartermaster General were provided to the Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel (Colonel Heard) by the QMG on January 5, 1942.<br />
<br />
The Assistant Chief of Staff (G-1), Brigadier General John H. Hilldring, in a response to the QMG on April 3, 1942, indicated the Secretary of War had approved the design recommended by the QMG. The design of the Legion of Merit (change of name) would be ready for issue immediately after legislation authorizing it was enacted into law. (A separate medal called the [[Meritorious Service Medal (United States)|Meritorious Service Medal]] was established in 1969.)<br />
<br />
An act of Congress (Public Law 671, 77th Congress, Chapter 508, 2d Session) on July 20, 1942, established the Legion of Merit and provided that the medal "shall have suitable appurtenances and devices and not more than four degrees, and which the President, under such rules and regulations as he shall prescribe, may award to<br />
:(a) personnel of the Armed Forces of the United States and of the Government of the Commonwealth Philippines and<br />
:(b) personnel of the armed forces of friendly foreign nations who, since the proclamation of an emergency by the President on 1939-09-08, shall have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services."<br />
<br />
The medal was announced in War Department Bulletin No. 40, dated August 5, 1942. [[Executive order|Executive Order]] 9260, dated October 29, 1942, by President [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]], established the rules for the Legion of Merit, and required the President's approval for the award.<br />
<br />
Following the invasion of North Africa in November 1942, a number of United States officers were awarded the Legion of Merit in the degree of Officer. One of the recipients was future [[Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff]] [[Lyman Lemnitzer]]. Soon after, regulations for the award of the Legion of Merit were revised so that it would not be awarded in the degrees above Legionnaire to United States military personnel.<br />
<br />
The Legion of Merit is similar to the French [[Legion of Honor]] in both its design, a five-armed cross, and in that it is awarded in multiple degrees. Unlike the Legion of Honor, however, the Legion of Merit is only awarded to military personnel. In addition, it is the only award in the world with multiple degrees of which the higher degrees cannot be awarded to citizens of the country of the award's origin.<br />
<br />
In October 1942, Brazilian Army Brigadier General [[Amaro Soares Bittencourt]] became the first person awarded the Legion of Merit (Commander) and a week later, Lieutenant, junior grade [[Ann A. Bernatitus]], a U.S. Navy Nurse Corps officer, became the first member of the [[United States Armed Forces]] and the first woman to receive the Legion of Merit. She received the award for her service during the defense of the Philippines.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.homeofheroes.com/footnotes/2007/01January1-Bernatitus.html|title=Ann Bernatitus - Angel of Bataan, First Legion of Merit recipient|publisher=Home of Heroes|access-date=2007-04-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080705045721/http://www.homeofheroes.com/footnotes/2007/01January1-Bernatitus.html|archive-date=2008-07-05|url-status=dead}} This is a detailed Home of Heroes combat biography of Lt. (j.g.), later, Capt. Ann Bernatitus (USN) with sources and also containing a discussion of Legion of Merit itself with sources.</ref> [[LTJG]] Bernatitus was also the first recipient of the Legion of Merit authorized to wear a [[Combat "V"]] with the medal.<ref>[http://valor.militarytimes.com/recipient.php?recipientid=307009] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405174623/http://valor.militarytimes.com/recipient.php?recipientid=307009 }} full citation</ref><br />
<br />
General [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]] was presented the Legion of Merit by President Roosevelt while he was en route to the [[Tehran Conference]], in [[Cairo, Egypt]], on November 26, 1943.<ref>New York Times. December 7, 1945.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu/daybyday/daylog/november-26th-1943/|title=November 26th, 1943 - FDR: Day by Day|access-date=March 30, 2016|archive-date=April 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418164717/http://www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu/daybyday/daylog/november-26th-1943/|url-status=live}}</ref><br />
<br />
In 1943, at the request of the [[Chief of Staff of the United States Army|Army Chief of Staff]], General [[George C. Marshall]], approval authority for U.S. personnel was delegated to the [[United States Department of War|Department of War]]. Executive Order 10600, dated March 15, 1955, by President [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]], again revised approval authority. Current provisions are contained in Title 10, [[United States Code]] 1121. As a result, awarding authority for the Legion of Merit resides with general officers/flag officers at the Lieutenant General / Vice Admiral level or higher.<br />
<br />
The U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, unlike the Army and later the Air Force, provided for the Legion of Merit to be awarded with a "V" device indicating awards for participation in combat operations.<br />
<br />
From 1942 to 1944, the Legion of Merit was awarded for a fairly wide range of achievements. This was because it was, until the establishment of the [[Bronze Star Medal]] in 1944, the only decoration below the Silver Star which could be awarded for combat valor, and the only decoration below the [[Distinguished Service Medal]] which could be awarded for meritorious noncombat service.<br />
<br />
===After World War II===<br />
After the establishment of the [[Bronze Star Medal]] (BSM) in February 1944, the Legion of Merit was awarded almost exclusively to senior officers in the rank of lieutenant colonel (Army, Marine Corps and Air Force) or commander (Navy and Coast Guard) (O-5), and above. Beginning in the 1980s, the Legion of Merit began to be awarded more frequently to senior-ranking warrant officers (W-4 and W-5), as well as to senior enlisted service members (E-8 and E-9), usually as a retirement award. When not awarded as a retirement award, it is most commonly awarded to officers in pay grade O-6 and higher.<br />
<br />
The [[Meritorious Service Medal (United States)|Meritorious Service Medal]] (MSM) was established in 1969 as a "junior" version of the Legion of Merit and prior to 2003 was only awarded for non-combat service. The MSM is awarded more frequently, and to more lower-ranking military personnel, than the Legion of Merit. Recipients of the MSM are usually in pay grades E-7 thru E-9, W-3 thru W-5 (Army Only), and O-4 thru O-6 for the Army, Air Force, and Space Force; for the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard the MSM is usually presented to those in pay grades E-9, W-4, W-5, O-5 and O-6.<br />
<br />
==Insignia==<br />
{| style="margin:auto;" border="1" cellpadding="1"<br />
|-<br />
! style="background:#efefef;" |Chief Commander<br />
! style="background:#efefef;" |Commander<br />
! style="background:#efefef;" |Officer<br />
! style="background:#efefef;" |Legionnaire<br />
|-<br />
|[[File:Us legion of merit chief commander.png|121px|center]]<br />
|[[File:US Legion of Merit Commander.png|119px|center]]<br />
|[[File:Us legion of merit officer.png|120px|center]]<br />
|[[File:Us legion of merit legionnaire.png|120px|center]]<br />
|-<br />
! style="background:#efefef;" colspan="4" |Ribbon<br />
|-<br />
|[[File:US Legion of Merit Chief Commander ribbon.png|106px|center]]<br />
|[[File:US Legion of Merit Commander ribbon.png|106px|center]]<br />
|[[File:Us legion of merit officer rib.png|106px|center]]<br />
|[[File:Legion of Merit ribbon.svg|106px|center]]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
*The '''Chief Commander Degree''' of the Legion of Merit Medal is, on a wreath of green laurel joined at the bottom by a gold bow-knot (rosette), a domed five-pointed white star bordered crimson, points reversed with v-shaped extremities tipped with a gold ball. In the center, a blue disk encircled by gold clouds, with 13 white stars arranged in the pattern that appears on the [[Great Seal of the United States]]. Between each point, within the wreath are crossed arrows pointing outwards. The overall width is {{convert|2+15/16|in|mm}}. The words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" are engraved in the center of the reverse. A miniature of the decoration in gold on a horizontal gold bar is worn on the service ribbon.<br />
*The '''Commander Degree''' of the Legion of Merit Medal is, on a wreath of green laurel joined at the bottom by a gold bow-knot (rosette), a five-pointed white star bordered crimson, points reversed with v-shaped extremities tipped with a gold ball. In the center, a blue disk encircled by gold clouds, with 13 white stars arranged in the pattern that appears on the [[Great Seal of the United States]]. Between each star point, within the wreath, are crossed war arrows pointing outwards, representing armed protection to the Nation. The overall width is {{convert|2+1/4|in|mm}}. A gold laurel wreath in the v-shaped angle at the top connects an oval suspension ring to the neck ribbon that is {{convert|1+15/16|in|mm}} in width. The reverse of the five-pointed star is enameled in white, and the border is crimson. In the center, a disk for engraving the name of the recipient surrounded by the words "ANNUIT COEPTIS MDCCLXXXII": a combination of the motto from the Great Seal, "He [God] Has Favored Our Undertakings", with the date for the first award of a US decoration, the [[Purple Heart]]. An outer scroll contains the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." A miniature of the decoration in silver on a horizontal silver bar is worn on the service ribbon.<br />
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:The neck ribbon for the degree of Commander is {{convert|1+15/16|in|mm}} wide and consists of the following stripes: {{convert|1/16|in|mm}} white 67101; center {{convert|1+13/16|in|mm}} crimson and {{convert|1/16|in|mm}} white.<br />
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*The '''Officer Degree''' of the Legion of Merit Medal is similar to the degree of Commander except the overall width is {{convert|1+7/8|in|mm}} and the pendant has a suspension ring instead of the wreath for attaching the ribbon. A gold replica of the medal, {{convert|3/4|in|mm}} wide, is centered on the suspension ribbon.<br />
*The '''Legionnaire Degree''' of the Legion of Merit Medal and the '''Legion of Merit Medal issued to U.S. personnel''' is the same as the degree of Officer, except the suspension ribbon does not have the medal replica.<br />
<br />
The ribbon for all of the decorations is {{convert|1+3/8|in|mm}} wide and consists of the following stripes: {{convert|1/16|in|mm}} white; center {{convert|1+1/4|in|mm}} crimson; and {{convert|1/16|in|mm}} white. The reverse of all of the medals has the motto taken from the [[Great Seal of the United States]], "<small>ANNUIT COEPTIS</small>" ("He [God] has favored our undertakings") and the date "<small>MDCCLXXXII</small>" (1782), which is the date of America's first decoration, the [[Badge of Military Merit]], now known as the [[Purple Heart]]. The ribbon design also follows the pattern of the Purple Heart ribbon.<br />
<br />
;Additional awards<br />
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Additional awards of the Legion of Merit are denoted by [[oak leaf cluster]]s (in the Army, Air Force, and Space Force), and by [[5/16 inch star|{{convert|5/16|in|mm}} gold stars]] (in the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard). Until 2017,<ref name=RevokeV>{{cite web|url=https://www.stripes.com/news/pentagon-implements-c-and-r-awards-devices-removes-v-from-2-awards-1.461526|title=Pentagon implements 'C' and 'R' awards devices, removes 'V' from 2 awards|access-date=December 22, 2017|archive-date=January 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101192614/https://www.stripes.com/news/pentagon-implements-c-and-r-awards-devices-removes-v-from-2-awards-1.461526|url-status=live}}</ref> the sea services (the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard) awarded the [["V" Device|Combat "V"]] for wear on the LOM. The Army, Air Force, and Space Force do not authorize the "V" device for the Legion of Merit.<br />
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== See also ==<br />
* [[Recipients of the Legion of Merit]]<br />
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== References ==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
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==External links==<br />
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090302185451/http://gruntsmilitary.com/lom.shtml Legion of Merit – Criteria, Background, and Images]<br />
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20050901090657/http://www.mediacen.navy.mil/pubs/allhands/jan00/pg27.htm Order of precedence, United States Navy]<br />
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{{US interservice decorations}}<br />
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Legion Of Merit}}<br />
[[Category:Military awards and decorations of the United States]]<br />
[[Category:Awards and decorations of the United States Air Force]]<br />
[[Category:Awards and decorations of the United States Army]]<br />
[[Category:Awards and decorations of the United States Coast Guard]]<br />
[[Category:Awards and decorations of the United States Marine Corps]]<br />
[[Category:Awards and decorations of the United States Navy]]<br />
[[Category:Awards and decorations of the United States Space Force]]<br />
[[Category:Awards established in 1942]]<br />
[[Category:1942 establishments in the United States]]</div>Ankitjoshi0806https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Onkar_Singh_Kanwar&diff=388296Onkar Singh Kanwar2022-09-14T05:40:27Z<p>Ankitjoshi0806: Added a new addition to the collection.</p>
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<div>#REDIRECT [[Onkar Kanwar]]</div>Ankitjoshi0806