The Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in a release on Thursday that Rajeev Singh Thakur, Additional Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), chaired the 77th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) under the PM GatiShakti initiative, which was held in New Delhi.

The press release states that the meeting’s main objective was to assess six significant infrastructure projects from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), and the Ministry of Railways (MoR). The projects were assessed to see if they adhered to the integrated planning guidelines specified in the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (NMP).

Have a look at the detailed assessment and projection of these projects’ effects –

Hazira – Gothangam New Rail Line – The state of Gujarat is building a Broad Gauge Double Line that will run 36.35 km from Gothangam to Hazira. Its objectives are to boost section capacity and improve access to important industries and the port of Hazira, a crucial hub for shipping. By moving cargo from the road to the rail, the project is anticipated to minimise environmental effects, increase regional economic development, and decrease road traffic.

Bilasipara – Guwahati Road – The Assam upgrade entails adding four lanes to a 44.56-kilometer section of NH-17 between Tulungia and Chirakuta (Bilasipara). By connecting Assam with West Bengal, Meghalaya and vital infrastructure like the Multi-Modal Logistics Park at the Jogighopa, Rupsi, and Guwahati Airports, the project will enhance regional connectivity. It is projected to boost economic activity, reduce travel time and ease regional traffic.

Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP), Nashik – The 109.97 acres of land being developed as the Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) in Nashik, Maharashtra, is intended to integrate rail and road transportation. With facilities for freight consolidation, storage and customs processing, this greenfield project seeks to boost regional industry while cutting costs and increasing logistical efficiency. Starting in 2029, 3.11 million metric tonnes of cargo are expected to be handled there yearly.

New Civil Enclave at Bihta Airport, Patna – Bihar is concentrating on creating a new civic enclave at Bihta Airfield, which is 28 kilometres away from Patna’s Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport. In addition to housing 5 million passengers a year, the new terminal will improve regional connectivity and solve Patna Airport’s capacity concerns with a 10-bay apron for A-321 aircraft.

New Civil Enclave at Bagdogra Airport, Siliguri – The West Bengal project entails enlarging Bagdogra Airport to accommodate a new terminal with space for ten planes and a capacity of ten million passengers yearly. Bagdogra Airport is essential for the northeastern region and its strategic location in the “chicken neck” area makes its expansion necessary to fulfil the increasing demand for connectivity.

International Container Transshipment Port, Galathea Bay – At Galathea Bay on Great Nicobar Island, Andaman & Nicobar hopes to establish an International Container Transshipment Port (ICTP). At an estimated cost of Rs. 44,313 crores, the port will take advantage of the deeper waters and strategic location of the bay to handle transhipment cargo from Indian ports and adjacent nations, increasing the competitiveness of India’s marine trade and producing substantial economic advantages.

Based on the PM GatiShakti principles which include last-mile connection, intermodal connectivity, integrated multimodal infrastructure development and synchronised project implementation, the NPG evaluated these projects. It is anticipated that these projects will be crucial in the advancement of the nation, incorporating several forms of transportation and yielding substantial socio-economic advantages, all while elevating the general standard of living in their respective areas.

(with inputs from ANI)