In a significant step toward strengthening the nation’s infrastructure, the 89th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) was held under the leadership of Shri Pankaj Kumar, Joint Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The meeting, which focused on enhancing multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency, was conducted in alignment with the PM Gari shakti National Master Plan.
During the session, eight key infrastructure projects spanning the Road, Railway, and Metro sectors were reviewed. These projects were evaluated based on their adherence to the principles of integrated multimodal infrastructure, last-mile connectivity to economic and social nodes, and intermodal coordination. The goal is to improve logistics efficiency, reduce travel times, and drive socio-economic development across various regions of the country.
Among the notable projects from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is the development of a two-lane highway with paved shoulders along the Darugiri to Dalu section in Meghalaya. This 136.11 km-long stretch will enhance regional connectivity and facilitate cross-border trade, benefiting the local economy. Another ambitious project is the construction of India’s first-ever underwater road tunnel beneath the Brahmaputra River, which will significantly cut travel time from 6.5 hours to just 30 minutes, boosting connectivity between Assam and northeastern states.
In Assam, the widening of the Kaliabor-Numaligarh highway to four lanes aims to improve road safety and protect the biodiversity of Kaziranga National Park through wildlife-friendly infrastructure. Similarly, in Rajasthan, the Mayjilar to Jaisalmer project will enhance regional connectivity, support tourism, and facilitate defense movement with a two-lane paved shoulder and a bypass link road.
The Ministry of Railways (MoR) also presented crucial projects, such as the expansion of the third and fourth lines between Badlapur and Karjat, which will address passenger and freight congestion along the busy Mumbai-Pune-Solapur corridor. In Odisha, the construction of a fourth line between Nergundi and Cuttack and the doubling of the Haridaspur-Paradip line will improve freight movement and support industrial growth in the region.
From the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), the Rajkot Metro Rail Project in Gujarat aims to provide a sustainable and efficient mode of urban transport. Spanning 41.11 km, the project will reduce traffic congestion and integrate with other transport systems like regional rail and city buses, enhancing mobility for residents.
The projects discussed during the NPG meeting are expected to play a pivotal role in boosting India’s infrastructure landscape. By improving connectivity and logistics, these initiatives will contribute to regional development and accelerate economic growth. The collaborative efforts under the PM GatiShakti initiative reflect the government’s commitment to creating a robust and efficient transportation network that benefits both the economy and the environment.
