Network Planning Group Evaluates Key Infrastructure Projects Worth Rs 18,000 Crore

The Network Planning Group (NPG) convened on 21 June to assess eight significant infrastructure projects with a combined value of Rs 18,000 crore.

These projects, spanning the railways and the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC), were reviewed for their alignment with PM Gati Shakti principles, focusing on integrated planning, socio-economic benefits, improved connectivity, reduced transit costs, and enhanced efficiency, according to a statement from the commerce and industry ministry.

The reviewed projects included two from the railways and six from the NICDC. The railway projects, part of the Energy Mineral Cement Corridor programme, involve substantial investments.

The first project, connecting Manmad to Jalgaon, is estimated at Rs 2,594 crore. The second project, from Bhusawal to Burhanpur, involves an investment of Rs 3,285 crore. These initiatives aim to bolster the transport network and stimulate regional economic growth.

NICDC's projects focused on the development of integrated manufacturing clusters in several states. Four projects are slated for Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Bihar, with a total estimated investment of Rs 8,175 crore. Specifically, these projects will develop manufacturing clusters in Agra and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, Hisar in Haryana, and Gaya in Bihar. These clusters are expected to enhance industrial capacity and foster economic development in these regions, reports Economic Times.

Additionally, two projects from NICDC will facilitate the development of industrial areas in Andhra Pradesh. The Oravakal Industrial Area in Kurnool district and the Kopparthy Industrial Area in YSR Kadapa district will receive an estimated investment of Rs 5,367 crore. These projects are anticipated to boost industrial growth and create employment opportunities in the state.

PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (PMGS-NMP) was launched in October 2021 to provide multimodal connectivity infrastructure to various economic zones.

To ensure the effective implementation of PM Gati Shakti projects, the Network Planning Group has been constituted with representatives across ministries. It is responsible for unified planning and integration of the proposals and assists the Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS) in respect of its mandate.