New Delhi: The Network Planning Group (NPG), operating under the PM Gati Shakti initiative, has put forward recommendations for four distinct infrastructure undertakings, as per an official statement released on Thursday. The PM Gati Shakti - National Master Plan was inaugurated in October 2021 with the aim of constructing an integrated and systematic infrastructure framework aimed at reducing logistical expenses.

"The 54th convening of the Network Planning Group (NPG), presided over by Special Secretary of Logistics at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Smt. Sumita Dawra, was convened yesterday in New Delhi. During the assembly, two projects aligned with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and another two projects associated with the Ministry of Railways, with an aggregate outlay of Rs.7,693.17 crore, underwent evaluation," conveyed the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

Dawra emphasized the significance of leveraging the GatiShakti National Master Plan portal and embracing a 'whole of government' strategy for infrastructure design and implementation. She underscored the critical role of these projects in fostering connections to economic and social hubs within the region and underscored the necessity of pursuing a region-centric expansion strategy.

According to the ministry, the NPG scrutinized the four-lane Thiruvananthapuram Outer Ring Road (ORR) in Kerala, valued at Rs.4,767.20 crore, as part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana. This corridor is an integral component of the Mumbai-Kanyakumari Economic Corridor.

The project assumes importance in ensuring seamless and expedited connectivity between the eastern and northern regions, consequently invigorating economic advancement in less affluent zones. The endeavor is anticipated to curtail travel durations, curb vehicular operational costs, and ultimately afford crucial linkage to the emerging international seaport in Vizhinjam.

"Another road venture, the Dahod-Bodeli-Vapi Corridor, bearing a budget of Rs.1,179.33 Crore, underwent appraisal by the NPG. The project's trajectory originates from the confluence of the new Vadodara-Delhi Expressway and culminates after intersecting the Mumbai-Vadodara expressway. It establishes a pivotal connection with Bodeli, Devaliya, Rajpipla, Netrang, Vyara, Dharampur, Vapi, and further southward to Mumbai via the Vadodara-Mumbai Expressway, a scheme currently in progress," appended the ministry.

This initiative will enhance the road network, conferring benefits upon local inhabitants through reduced travel durations, diminished travel distances, and lowered transportation expenses. Moreover, it is poised to stimulate socio-economic growth and tourism alongside the course of the project.

NPG also engaged in discussions concerning a novel broad gauge railway line linking Pushkar to Merta in Rajasthan, entailing an estimated expenditure of Rs.799.64 crores. The envisaged railway line is set to offer direct linkage from Central India to Northern India, while also forging a connection to the western border. In addition, it is expected to alleviate congestion and alleviate pressure on the highways.

In Rajasthan, yet another railway initiative gained the NPG's attention, involving the establishment of a new broad-gauge line between Merta City and Ras Railway Stations, with an investment of Rs.947 crore. This project holds substantial significance in facilitating swifter movement of goods and propelling industrial and holistic development across the expanse encompassing Pali and Nagaur districts of Rajasthan.