Under PM Modi’s Gati Shakti initiative, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has recommended the approval of five significant infrastructure projects related to roads and railways. These projects aim to enhance connectivity and logistics efficiency across the nation. The projects underwent evaluation during the 65th Network Planning Group (NPG) meeting, where they were scrutinized based on integrated planning principles aligned with PM Gati Shakti. So, what are these important infra projects? Let’s find out.
Emphasis on Roads, Railways, and Urban Development
The majority of projects recommended by the NPG primarily focus on enhancing roads, railways, and urban development, aligning with the overarching goals of the PM Gati Shakti initiative. Approval from the NPG is a prerequisite before project clearance by the Public Investment Board (PIB) or Department of Expenditure under the Ministry of Finance.
The assessed projects encompass highway developments in Goa, Meghalaya, and Assam, alongside the construction of a rail-over-rail bulb line in Bihar. Additionally, urban metro transit projects in Bengaluru and Delhi/NCR were part of the evaluation process.
Multi-Modal Approach and Comprehensive Development
The inter-ministerial NPG convenes fortnightly to assess infrastructure projects, ensuring multi-modality, synchronization of efforts, and comprehensive development in and around project locations. The PM Gati Shakti initiative aims to foster integrated infrastructure development to curtail logistics costs. Projects involving logistics and connectivity, with investments exceeding Rs 500 crore, are directed through the NPG for evaluation and recommendation.