Accelerated Progress on 8 Infrastructure Projects Under PM GatiShakti Initiative
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Synopsis
The 89th meeting of the Network Planning Group assessed 8 key infrastructure projects to enhance multimodal connectivity in India, aligning with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan. This includes road, railway, and metro initiatives expected to boost logistics and socio-economic benefits.
Key Takeaways
- Eight infrastructure projects evaluated.
- Enhancement of multimodal connectivity.
- Significant socio-economic benefits expected.
- First road tunnel under Brahmaputra.
- Wildlife-friendly measures in highway projects.
New Delhi, March 14 (NationPress) The 89th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) assessed 8 major infrastructure projects spanning the Road, Railway, and Metro sectors aimed at enhancing multimodal connectivity and improving logistics performance, as per a statement released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Friday.
These projects are anticipated to significantly boost logistical efficiency, minimize travel durations, and offer substantial socio-economic advantages across various regions, the statement noted.
Among the four projects presented in the road sector is the establishment of a two-lane highway connecting the Darugiri to Dalu section in Meghalaya. This initiative will upgrade the current road to a two-lane highway complete with paved shoulders along the Darugiri to Dalu section of NH-62 (New NH-217).
The 136.11 km stretch traverses through East Garo Hills, South Garo Hills, and West Garo Hills, significantly improving regional connectivity. Due to its strategic placement, this corridor is vital for promoting cross-border trade and regional economic growth.
The second project involves the construction of a four-lane tunnel under the Brahmaputra River connecting Gohpur and Numaligarh. This project will result in the creation of India’s first road tunnel beneath a significant river.
The four-lane tunnel will cut travel time from 6.5 hours to just 30 minutes, reducing the distance from 240 km to 34 km. This twin-tube, unidirectional underwater tunnel will enhance connectivity to Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and other northeastern states.
The widening and upgrading of the existing carriageway to four lanes along the Kaliabor-Numaligarh section was also evaluated.
This project aims to enhance the current highway from two lanes to four along Kaliabor-Numaligarh section (NH-37/NH-715) in Assam, covering 85.67 km across Nagaon, Karbi Anglong, and Golaghat districts. It incorporates wildlife-friendly features like an elevated corridor and wildlife crossings to safeguard the biodiversity of Kaziranga National Park.
The fourth road project entails the development of a two-lane highway from Mayjilar to Jaisalmer, including the Jaisalmer Bypass Link Road.
Spanning 138.177 km, this initiative in Rajasthan comprises both brownfield and greenfield sections along NH-11 and NH-70. Its objective is to enhance regional connectivity, promote tourism, facilitate defense movements, and improve road safety.
The three projects proposed by the Ministry of Railways include the expansion of the third and fourth lines along the Badlapur-Karjat route.
This 32.460 km brownfield project addresses growing passenger and freight congestion along the Mumbai-Pune-Solapur-Wadi-Chennai corridor.
It aims to improve connectivity between important commuter hubs and freight transit locations, benefiting towns such as Badlapur, Vangani, Shelu, Neral, Bhivpuri, and Karjat.
The second railway project focuses on constructing the fourth line from Nergundi to Cuttack, which includes a flyover at Nergundi.
This 15.99 km brownfield railway project in Odisha is designed to alleviate congestion on existing rail lines, optimize freight movement, and ensure smoother operations along a key corridor serving Paradip Port, Talcher coalfields, and major steel and power industries.
The third railway initiative consists of the construction of a doubling line from Haridaspur to Paradip.
This 74.09 km brownfield project in Odisha will enhance freight transportation capacity and logistics efficiency, facilitating the seamless movement of coal from Talcher Coalfields to Paradip Port while supporting industrial growth in the Angul-Jharsuguda cluster.
The evaluation also included the Rajkot Metro Rail Project.
This greenfield urban transport initiative aims to alleviate congestion and provide a sustainable mode of transport in Gujarat’s Rajkot.
Extending 41.11 km, the project integrates smoothly with existing urban infrastructure, ensuring multimodal connectivity with regional rail, city bus services, and intermediate public transport options like autos and cycle rickshaws.
“These infrastructure projects, aligned with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, will significantly enhance connectivity, improve logistics, and contribute to regional and national economic growth,” the statement concluded.
