NEW DELHI: The 72nd meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) assessed three significant infrastructure projects as part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, a comprehensive strategy for multi-modal connectivity. This initiative brings together 16 ministries, including those for railways and roadways, to facilitate integrated planning and coordinated implementation of infrastructure projects.
The meeting, chaired by Additional Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), took place in New Delhi on June 12, 2024. The projects under review were from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), the Ministry of Railways (MoR), and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
National Highway Project in Jammu and Kashmir
One of the highlighted projects involves constructing and upgrading a 51 km section of NH-701 from Rafiabad to Chamkot in Jammu and Kashmir. This project includes 14.34 km of greenfield development and 36.66 km of brownfield upgrades, with an estimated cost of Rs 1,405 crore. The improved route will enhance connectivity for villages like Kupwara, Chowkibal, and Tangdhar, providing better logistical support for defence forces and boosting socio-economic conditions by improving access to health, education, and business opportunities.
Gudur-Renigunta Third Rail Line in Andhra Pradesh
Another project reviewed is the Gudur-Renigunta Third Rail Line in Andhra Pradesh. This 83.17 km rail line aims to increase the capacity of the existing double line and is expected to cost Rs 884 crore. The project requires 36.58 hectares of land and includes infrastructure upgrades such as new bridges, extended underpasses, and advanced signalling systems. These improvements will enhance passenger and cargo movement efficiency, significantly boosting regional economic activities.
Pune Metro Line Extension in Maharashtra
The third project is the Pune Metro Line Extension, which will extend the operational metro corridor from Vanaz to Ramwadi in Pune, Maharashtra. The extension involves an elevated section of 1.12 km from Vanaz to ChandChowk on the western side and an 11.63 km elevated section from Ramwadi to Wagholi/Vitthalwadi on the eastern side. The total length of the extension will be 12.75 km, with an estimated cost of Rs 3,757 crore. The daily ridership for this line is expected to reach 3.59 lakhs by 2027 and grow to 9.93 lakhs by 2057, significantly reducing travel time and road congestion while enhancing the city's public transport infrastructure.
Socio-Economic Benefits
During the review meeting, the NPG emphasised the socio-economic benefits of these projects. All three infrastructure projects aim to improve connectivity, reduce transit costs, and enhance overall efficiency. The PM Gati Shakti plan integrates various infrastructure schemes from different ministries and state governments, including Bharatmala, Sagarmala, inland waterways, dry/land ports, and UDAN, to boost connectivity and competitiveness of Indian businesses.
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