Network Planning Group assesses eight major infrastructure projects
- The Network Planning Group assessed eight infrastructure projects in its 89th meeting held recently.
- The projects included road developments, railway expansions, and a metro initiative aimed at improving multimodal connectivity.
- These initiatives are expected to significantly enhance logistics efficiency and promote socio-economic growth across various regions.
On March 15, 2025, the Network Planning Group (NPG) convened for its 89th meeting, headed by Pankaj Kumar from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade. This meeting aimed to review significant infrastructure projects across India's road, railway, and metro sectors. A total of eight projects were meticulously evaluated to ensure they align with the principles of PM GatiShakti, particularly focusing on integrated multimodal infrastructure, last-mile connectivity, and intermodal coordination. The proposed road projects included the upgradation of National Highway 62 in Meghalaya, which spans 136.11 km and aims to improve regional connectivity and facilitate cross-border trade. Another ambitious initiative discussed was India's first underwater road tunnel beneath the Brahmaputra River, which aims to drastically reduce travel time from 6.5 hours to just 30 minutes by connecting Gohpur and Numaligarh and cutting down the journey distance from 240 km to 34 km. Additional projects presented were the expansion of the Mayjilar to Jaisalmer highway in Rajasthan and the construction of a Jaisalmer Bypass Link Road, which collectively aim to improve connectivity, enhance tourism, and ensure road safety. In the railway sector, the NPG reviewed the Nergundi to Cuttack expansion project, which involves adding a fourth railway line and constructing a flyover at Nergundi. This critical undertaking covers 15.99 km and strengthens the transport corridor serving Paradip Port and vital industries in Odisha. Moreover, the doubling of the Haridaspur-Paradip railway line, spanning 74.09 km, is anticipated to improve coal transportation efficiency from Talcher coalfields to Paradip Port, thereby bolstering industrial growth in the Angul-Jharsuguda region. Urban mobility was also a focus of the discussions, particularly the Rajkot Metro Rail Project in Gujarat. This greenfield initiative aims to provide a modern transit system covering 41.11 km that will integrate with existing urban infrastructure. The Rajkot Metro is designed to facilitate seamless multimodal connectivity with regional rail, buses, and additional transport options, promoting sustainable urban development. As all these projects move forward, they are expected to enhance connectivity, boost logistics efficiencies, and foster socio-economic development across multiple regions in India under the vision of PM GatiShakti.