The 87th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG), chaired by Shri E. Srinivas, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, reviewed five key infrastructure projects, focusing on their alignment with PM GatiShakti principles. The projects spanned various sectors, including metro, regional rapid transit system (RRTS), road, and airport, all geared towards enhancing multimodal connectivity, boosting logistics efficiency, and reducing travel times. The meeting emphasized advancing infrastructure planning under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS NMP).
Among the projects evaluated was the Delhi – Panipat – Karnal Namo Bharat Project, a 136.3 km greenfield corridor by NCRTC. This project promises to drastically cut travel time between Delhi and Karnal from 3.5-4 hours to just 90 minutes. Its integration with other Namo Bharat corridors will ensure seamless connectivity with various transport networks, including metro, railway, bus, and airport. The Pune Metro Line 4, a 31.64 km project, aims to connect key areas like Kharadi, Hadapsar, Swargate, and Khadakwasla, along with a spur line to Warje, with the goal of increasing ridership and improving multimodal integration.
Road infrastructure projects also took center stage. The Mahabubnagar Economic Corridor, a 90.37 km four-lane upgrade of NH-167 in Telangana, will improve connectivity between Hyderabad and Raichur, driving economic growth in the region. In Tripura, the Mungiakami-Champaknagar NH-08 Corridor, a 25.45 km highway expansion, will enhance connectivity and alleviate congestion in the West Tripura and Khowai districts.
Finally, the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhyadham (Phase-II) expansion was reviewed. This expansion aims to increase the airport’s capacity to handle 6 million passengers annually by 2046-47. The plans include a new terminal, runway extension, and upgraded facilities to meet the anticipated growth in passenger demand. These projects, evaluated under the PM GatiShakti framework, are expected to significantly strengthen India’s transport infrastructure and stimulate regional development.
