NPG’s 72nd meeting evaluated road, rail, and metro projects under PM GatiShakti, focusing on connectivity and socio-economic benefits.
The 72ND meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) under the PM GatiShakti initiative was held on June 12, 2024, in New Delhi. Chaired by Rajeev Singh Thakur, Additional Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the meeting focused on evaluating three significant infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing national connectivity and socio-economic development.
The key projects discussed included:
- National Highway Project in Jammu & Kashmir: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) presented a project involving the construction and upgradation of a 51-km section of NH-701 from Rafiabad to Chamkot. With an estimated cost of INR 1,405 crore, this project includes both greenfield (14.34 km) and brownfield (36.66 km) developments. The upgraded route will significantly enhance connectivity for villages such as Kupwara, Chowkibal, and Tangdhar, improving logistical support for defense forces and boosting socio-economic conditions by providing better access to health, education, and business opportunities.
- Gudur-Renigunta Third Rail Line in Andhra Pradesh: The Ministry of Railways (MoR) proposed constructing a third rail line between Gudur and Renigunta stations in Andhra Pradesh’s Tirupati district. This 83.17 km line, with an estimated cost of INR 884 crores, aims to enhance the capacity of the existing double line, improving passenger and cargo movement efficiency. The project requires 36.58 hectares of land and includes infrastructure upgrades such as new bridges, extended underpasses, and advanced signaling systems, which will significantly boost regional economic activities.
- Pune Metro Line Extension in Maharashtra: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) outlined plans to extend the operational metro corridor from Vanaz to Ramwadi in Pune. The project involves extending two lines on the eastern and western ends of the Vanaz-Ramwadi metro corridor. The western extension, a 1.12 km elevated section from Vanaz to Chandani Chowk, and the eastern extension, an 11.63 km elevated section from Ramwadi to Wagholi/Vitthalwadi, will together cost an estimated INR 3,757 crores. The daily ridership for the line is anticipated to reach 3.59 lakhs by 2027 and grow to 9.93 lakhs by 2057, connecting central Pune with rapidly growing suburbs and reducing travel time and road congestion.
During the meeting, all projects were evaluated for their integrated planning and alignment with the principles of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (NMP). The emphasis was placed on the socio-economic benefits, improved connectivity, reduced transit costs, and enhanced efficiency. The projects also aim to foster multimodal integration, enhancing overall transportation and logistics networks.
These infrastructure projects are expected to play pivotal roles in nation-building, integrating various modes of transport, and providing substantial socio-economic benefits and ease of living, thereby contributing to the overall development of the regions.
