In the 73rd NPG meeting, key rail and NICDC projects worth over INR 19,421 crore were evaluated for enhancing connectivity and economic growth.
The 73rd meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) was convened in New Delhi on June 21, 2024. Chaired by Rajeev Singh Thakur, Additional Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the meeting focused on evaluating eight significant infrastructure projects. These included two from the Ministry of Railways (MoR) and six from the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC), DPIIT.
The first railway project involves constructing a 160 km, 4th broad gauge railway line from Manmad to Jalgaon in Maharashtra’s Nashik and Jalgaon districts. With an estimated investment of INR 2,594 crores, this project aims to enhance the section capacity of the existing line, facilitating smoother movement of cargo and passenger trains. This project aligns with national infrastructure priorities and is crucial for meeting future transportation demands in the region.
The second railway project entails constructing 3rd and 4th broad gauge railway lines spanning 130.5 km from Bhusawal in Jalgaon district of Maharashtra to Burhanpur and Khandwa districts of Madhya Pradesh. Estimated at INR 3,285 crores, this project is expected to significantly enhance section capacity, promote regional development, and bolster the Indian Railways’ market share in the logistics sector, thus contributing to economic growth and sustainable transportation solutions for the region. Both railway projects are part of the Ministry of Railways’ Energy Mineral Cement Corridor (EMCC) program, aimed at providing connectivity to coal, cement, and mineral production areas.
The NICDC projects include four Integrated Manufacturing Clusters (IMCs) in Agra and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, Hisar in Haryana, and Gaya in Bihar, with an estimated investment of INR 8,175 crores. These projects aim to develop state-of-the-art manufacturing hubs adhering to Industry 4.0 standards, incorporating smart technologies, logistics, residential, and commercial facilities, along with educational and healthcare services. The IMCs will cater to sectors such as e-mobility, food processing, FMCG, leather, and apparel.
Additionally, two NICDC projects involve the development of Oravakal Industrial Area in Kurnool district and Kopparthy Industrial Area in YSR Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh, with an estimated investment of INR 5,367 crores. These projects aim to create advanced infrastructure to attract industries, strategically located near major highways, railway lines, and seaports. They are expected to stimulate socio-economic progress and generate significant employment opportunities.
During the meeting, all projects were evaluated for their integrated planning and conformity with the PM GatiShakti principles, emphasizing socio-economic benefits, improved connectivity, reduced transit costs, and enhanced efficiency. These projects are anticipated to play a pivotal role in improving connectivity, enhancing logistics efficiency, and establishing advanced manufacturing ecosystems across India. They are poised to drive industrial growth, boost competitiveness, and contribute significantly to the nation’s economic development goals.
