74th Network Planning Group Meeting Reviews Key Infrastructure Projects Under PM GatiShakti

New Delhi: The 74th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) under the PM GatiShakti initiative was held in New Delhi yesterday, chaired by Additional Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT),  Rajeev Singh Thakur. The meeting focused on evaluating five significant infrastructure projects from the Ministry of Railways (MoR), Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) for their alignment with the integrated planning principles of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (NMP).

Balaram – Tentuloi New Railway Line (MCRL Phase II) in Odisha

This greenfield project involves the construction of a 49.58 km rail line at an estimated cost of INR 1,404 Crores in Angul district to provide vital first-mile rail connectivity for 11 coal blocks. The project aims to reduce logistics costs for industries and generate employment, contributing to regional development. It is expected to significantly enhance the transport efficiency of coal, benefiting both the local economy and the broader industrial landscape of Odisha.

Budhapank – Luburi New Railway Line (MCRL Outer Corridor) in Odisha

Spanning 106 kilometers, this greenfield rail line at an estimated project cost of INR 3,478 Crores will support efficient coal evacuation from the Mahanadi River Basin. The proposed alignment facilitates the transportation of coal from Talcher Coal Fields, providing first-mile rail connectivity to 21 coal blocks and reducing the average distance to the railhead from 43 km to 4.2 km, thereby enhancing logistical efficiency and reducing costs for core industries like iron and steel.

Lucknow Metro Rail Project Phase I-B East – West Corridor (Charbagh to Vasant Kunj) in Uttar Pradesh

This project involves extending the Lucknow Metro corridor by 11.165 kilometers to address the city’s growing transportation needs. While the existing metro line caters to 80,000 passengers per day (PPD), this new line is expected to cater to an additional 200,000 PPD. The proposed corridor will serve the city’s most densely settled central business districts (CBDs), including Aminabad, Alambagh, Faizabad, and Charbagh area. Stations are strategically located to seamlessly connect points of interchange through foot overbridges (FoBs) and underpasses. The project, estimated to cost INR 5,801 Crores, aims to reduce congestion, vehicular pollution, and enhance public transport accessibility through an integrated network. The development plan emphasizes the use of renewable energy through rooftop installations to reduce conventional energy consumption.

Upgradation of existing 6 Lane Road including elevated corridor of NH-47 (Narol Jn. to Sarkhej Jn.) in Gujarat

This brownfield project involves upgrading a 10.63 km section of NH-47 at an estimated cost of INR 1,295 Crores to address increasing traffic congestion in southern Ahmedabad, connecting to major highways and expressways. The project aims to enhance smooth and safe traffic flow, thus improving service levels. Upgrading this critical segment of NH-47 is expected to facilitate more efficient movement of goods and people, contributing to the economic vitality of the region.

4-laning of Section of NH-166 from Chokak to Sangli (Ankali) in Maharashtra

This project involves the four-laning of a 33.6 km section of NH-166, enhancing connectivity between key regions, i.e., between Kolhapur and Sangli in Maharashtra, at an estimated cost of INR 864 Crores. This development will reduce travel time by 50% and the distance by about 5.4 km, significantly impacting environmental attributes. The improvement of this road will save fuel and time as well as help in controlling pollution due to emission from vehicles.