The Network Planning Group evaluated road projects across India, aiming to boost connectivity and enhance freight movement under PM GatiShakti.
The 78th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) under the PM GatiShakti initiative was held in New Delhi, chaired by Rajeev Singh Thakur, Additional Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The meeting focused on evaluating eighteen crucial road infrastructure projects proposed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). These projects span across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Bihar, all aligning with the principles of integrated planning outlined in the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (NMP).
Projects in Tamil Nadu and Kerala:
- Madurai-Kollam ICR: This 4-lane corridor spans 129.92 km, with 68.30 km in Tamil Nadu and 61.62 km in Kerala. It aims to reduce travel distance by 10 km and enhance connectivity between major economic hubs, benefiting industries and local economies.
- Madurai-Dhanushkodi Highway: A 46.67 km 4-lane stretch focused on improving connectivity to major religious and tourist destinations, boosting economic activities in the region.
- Chennai-Mahabalipuram-Pondicherry Corridor: This 46.05 km 4-lane project aims to enhance the connectivity of coastal areas with economic corridors, vital for tourism and local industries.
- Thoppur Ghat Section: A 6.60 km high-capacity 8-lane road project focused on improving safety and traffic flow in this critical, congested hilly section of Tamil Nadu.
Projects in Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh:
- Belagavi Ring Road (NH848R): A 4-lane road spanning 75.39 km, aimed at decongesting urban traffic and improving connectivity to industrial hubs in Karnataka.
- Tumkur Bypass: A strategic 4-lane bypass of 44.10 km designed to streamline traffic around Tumkur city, enhancing logistics efficiency.
- Bhopal-Sagar Economic Corridor: A 4-lane, 138.00 km corridor in Madhya Pradesh, facilitating seamless connectivity and economic growth in central India.
- Western Bypass of Gwalior City: This 4-lane, 56.90 km bypass aims to improve urban mobility and reduce congestion, boosting economic prospects in Gwalior.
- Ayodhya Nagar Bypass: A 6-lane, 16.44 km bypass designed to improve connectivity and reduce traffic congestion in Bhopal.
Projects in Maharashtra and Telangana:
- Ahmednagar-Solapur Corridor: A 4-lane, 59.22 km project in Maharashtra aimed at improving connectivity and supporting regional industrial growth.
- Talegaon-Chakan-Shikrapur Corridor: A 54.00 km 4-lane road designed to enhance freight movement and benefit industrial zones near Pune.
- Jagtial-Karimnagar Highways: A 4-lane, 58.87 km road in Telangana, crucial for enhancing connectivity and economic activities within the state.
- Armoor-Jagtial-Mancherial Highway: A 4-lane, 131.90 km project extending the high-speed Jagtial-Karimnagar corridor, improving state connectivity and access to major markets.
Projects in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Bihar:
- Badvel-Nellore Corridor: A 4-lane, 108.13 km highway in Andhra Pradesh aimed at boosting agricultural connectivity and regional economic development.
- Sambalpur Ring Road: A 4-lane, 35.38 km road in Odisha focused on reducing congestion and supporting industrial growth near key ports.
- Cuttack-Paradip Corridor: A 4-lane, 86.79 km highway in Odisha, critical for connecting economic nodes to the Paradip port, playing a pivotal role in regional socio-economic development.
- Bakarpur-Manikpur-Sahebgunj-Areraj-Bettiah Highway: A 4-lane, 162.95 km greenfield project in Bihar focused on improving access to economic opportunities in densely populated regions.
All eighteen projects were evaluated based on the principles of the PM GatiShakti initiative, which emphasises the integrated development of multimodal infrastructure, last-mile connectivity to economic and social nodes, intermodal connectivity, and synchronised implementation. These projects are expected to play crucial roles in nation-building by enhancing regional connectivity, improving freight movement, and delivering substantial socio-economic benefits across the states.
