NPG’s 95th meeting assesses Metro, Road, and Logistics Park projects to enhance multimodal connectivity and efficiency.
In a significant step towards bolstering India’s infrastructure, the 95th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) was convened today to evaluate crucial infrastructure projects spanning Metro Rail, Roads, and Logistics Parks. The session, held under the aegis of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS NMP), focused intently on enhancing multimodal connectivity and optimising logistics efficiency across the nation.
Chaired by Joint Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Pankaj Kumar, the NPG rigorously assessed five projects for their alignment with PM GatiShakti’s core principles: integrated multimodal infrastructure, last-mile connectivity to economic and social nodes, and intermodal coordination. These initiatives are anticipated to not only boost logistics efficiency and reduce travel times but also deliver substantial socio-economic benefits across various regions.
The evaluated projects include:
1. Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project Phase-2A (Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs – MoHUA): Plans were proposed to extend the Ahmedabad Metro by 6.032 km to provide direct connectivity to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport from Koteshwar Metro Station. This strategic extension aims to significantly enhance urban mobility, offering faster, more convenient airport access for commuters, personnel, and residents. It is designed to integrate seamlessly into Ahmedabad’s transit system, reducing travel time, easing congestion, and promoting public transport usage, ultimately improving both intercity and intracity connectivity between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar.
2. 8-lane Access-Controlled Highway to Vadhavan Port (Ministry of Road Transport & Highways – MoRTH): MoRTH proposed the construction of an 8-lane access-controlled highway along NH-248S to improve connectivity to the upcoming Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra. This critical infrastructure will ensure efficient cargo evacuation, supporting the port’s development as a major global trade hub capable of handling 15 million TEUs in its first phase. The project focuses on efficient multimodal cargo evacuation with dedicated rail and road corridors, directly connecting to the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and NH-48 to reinforce Vadhavan Port’s role as a strategic gateway for international trade.
3. Four-Lane Elevated Road in Jodhpur (Ministry of Road Transport & Highways – MoRTH): MoRTH put forth plans for a 4-lane elevated corridor in Jodhpur city, extending 7.633 km from Mahamandir to Akhaliya Chouraha. This project, aligned along NH-62 and NH-125, aims to alleviate severe traffic congestion and enhance urban mobility across one of Rajasthan’s busiest corridors. Bypassing 8 major and 20 minor junctions, it is expected to reduce peak-hour travel time by approximately 20 minutes, ensuring seamless and congestion-free movement across key national highways and improving connectivity within the city.
4. Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) Hyderabad (Ministry of Road Transport & Highways – MoRTH): A proposal was evaluated for developing a 315-acre MMLP at Parkibanda village, Medak district, Telangana. This facility is poised to transform freight logistics in the region, facilitating seamless cargo movement and improving connectivity. Projected to handle 1.47 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo annually by 2028, scaling to 19.98 MMT by 2070, the MMLP will offer integrated services like modal shift, cargo aggregation, and customs clearance. Strategically located near key industrial hubs, it boasts robust multimodal connectivity to NH-44 and Manoharabad Railway Station, with future access to major freight corridors via the Regional Ring Road, including Mumbai and JNPT.
5. Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) Patna (Ministry of Road Transport & Highways – MoRTH): MoRTH also proposed the development of a 106.19-acre MMLP at Jaitiya village, Patna district, Bihar. This facility is projected to handle 5.43 MMT of cargo annually by 2071, emerging as a major logistics hub for the region. Strategically located with strong multimodal connectivity to Top Sarthua Railway Station, Patna Airport, and ISBT Patna, it lies within a 30 km radius of key industrial clusters. The MMLP will benefit from proximity to the Patna–Gaya railway line and direct access to major freight corridors via multiple national and state highways, connecting to key trade nodes like Patna International Airport, Kolkata, and Haldia Port for seamless domestic and international cargo movement.
These projects collectively underscore the government’s commitment to modernising India’s infrastructure, boosting economic competitiveness, and realising the comprehensive vision of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan.
Source: PIB
