The 54th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) convenes in New Delhi
The 54th Network Planning Group (NPG) gathering, chaired by Sumita Dawra, Special Secretary of Logistics at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), convened yesterday in New Delhi. The meeting witnessed active participation from key departments and ministries of Govt. of India. Notably, during this meeting, the NPG assessed two projects from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and two projects from the Ministry of Railways, totaling an investment of Rs 7,693.17 crore.
Dawra underscored the paramount importance of harnessing the capabilities of the GatiShakti National Master Plan portal and advocated for a ‘whole of government’ approach in infrastructure planning and execution. She emphasized that these projects held critical significance in enhancing connectivity to vital economic and social nodes within the region and urged the adoption of an Area Development Approach.
One of the projects under scrutiny was the four-lane Thiruvananthapuram Outer Ring Road (ORR), part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana, in Kerala, with an estimated cost of Rs 4,767.20 Crore. This project is integral to the Mumbai-Kanyakumari Economic Corridor, serving as a pivotal artery for facilitating swift and efficient connectivity between the Eastern and Northern regions. Its successful completion is expected to stimulate economic growth in less developed areas, reduce travel time, cut vehicle operation expenses, and provide the crucial last-mile connectivity to the new international sea port in Vizhinjam.
Another road project on the NPG’s agenda was the Dahod-Bodeli-Vapi Corridor, with an allocated budget of Rs 1,179.33 Crore. This corridor originates at the junction of the new Vadodara-Delhi Expressway and culminates at the post Mumbai-Vadodara expressway. It assumes significance as a vital connector to Bodeli, Devaliya, Rajpipla, Netrang, Vyara, Dharampur, Vapi, and further southward to Mumbai via the Vadodara-Mumbai Expressway, which is currently under construction. The successful implementation of this project promises to enhance the local road network, reduce travel time, shorten distances, and lower transportation costs, ultimately fostering socio-economic development and tourism along its route.
Additionally, the NPG also engaged in deliberations regarding a new broad-gauge railway line between Pushkar and Merta in Rajasthan, boasting a project cost of Rs 799.64 Crores. This proposed rail line is set to establish direct connectivity between Central India and Northern India, as well as facilitate trade along the western border. Furthermore, it is expected to alleviate the pressure on highways and contribute to decongestion efforts.
Lastly, the NPG reviewed another crucial rail project in Rajasthan: the construction of a new broad-gauge line between Merta City and Ras Railway Stations, with an estimated investment of Rs 947 Crore. This project holds significant importance in expediting the movement of goods, fostering industrial growth, and catalyzing overall development in the encompassing regions of Pali and Nagaur districts of Rajasthan.
