63rd Network Planning Group Meeting under PM GatiShakti Discusses 3 Infra Projects

By admin On Jan 7, 2024

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 7th Jan. The 63rd Network Planning Group (NPG) meeting took place on January 4, 2023, at Vanijya Bhawan in New Delhi. The meeting was chaired by Special Secretary (Logistics), DPIIT, Sumita Dawra.

The meeting saw active participation from key Ministries and Departments, including the Ministry of Road, Transport & Highways (MoRTH), Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), Ministry of Railways (MoR), Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Ministry of Power (MoP), Ministry of Defence, and NITI Aayog.

During the meeting, the NPG discussed three projects related to MoR (1) and MoRTH (2), with a total project cost of over Rs. 5,000 Cr.

These projects included a new railway line project passing through Odisha and Chhattisgarh. The project aims to facilitate coal transportation from coal mines to industries and thermal power plants in the Northern/Western part of the country. The project also aims to bridge the last-mile gap to numerous coal blocks, reduce congestion on the existing railway main line, improve overall efficiency, and connect the mines to Paradip Port for coastal shipping. Care has been taken to minimize the project’s impact on forests, and road connectivity has been ensured for access to the planned Multimodal Logistics Park.

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The primary objective of the GatiShakti planning initiative is to enhance multimodal connectivity by establishing links to important industrial and business hubs while bypassing congested areas. These projects aim to create a ripple effect by expanding business prospects, fostering local socio-economic development, and creating employment opportunities.

The NPG also examined the Mirzapur-Ayodhya Corridor, which involves the construction of bypass roads to two important cities in the densely populated region. This project is expected to significantly improve logistics efficiency and reduce travel time. It also improves connectivity to the Varanasi Multi-Modal Terminal, promoting environmentally friendly and cost-effective inland waterway transportation.

After the construction of these new roads, commercial traffic will bypass the main city area, reducing congestion. The corridor is expected to bring socio-economic benefits, including job opportunities, improved access to tourism and religious sites, and enhanced road connectivity to economic centers, industrial zones, and agricultural regions along the route. This will stimulate economic activities, trade, and investments in the region, leading to the growth of ancillary infrastructure such as warehouses, distribution centers, and logistics hubs.

Another significant project discussed in the NPG meeting was the development of a Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) in Andhra Pradesh. This project aims to enhance logistics efficiency by serving as a hub for nearby industrial clusters, improving rail-road connectivity, and promoting rail transportation for long-haul bulk cargo. The MMLP is strategically located near Bengaluru and Chennai, ensuring optimal connectivity to key economic hubs.

The Special Secretary emphasized that these projects integrate various modes of transport and offer substantial socio-economic benefits, contributing to the overall development of the regions. She also requested the Ministries to incorporate the Area Development Planning Approach in project planning and ensure strong coordination with local authorities, including State Governments and Ministries, to identify infrastructural gaps and promote integrated planning. The NPG members acknowledged the benefits of using the PM GatiShakti NMP portal in project planning.