Introduction The 88th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) under the PM GatiShakti initiative has evaluated 11 crucial infrastructure projects, spanning road, railway, metro, and IT sectors. These projects align with the core principles of PM GatiShakti, focusing on integrated multimodal infrastructure, last-mile connectivity, and intermodal coordination to enhance logistics and economic growth.

Key Highlights of the Meeting The meeting was chaired by E Srinivas, Joint Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), and assessed projects for their strategic role in strengthening multimodal connectivity and improving logistics efficiency. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry emphasized the importance of these initiatives in reducing travel time, streamlining transportation, and bringing socio-economic benefits to various regions.

Breakdown of Evaluated Projects Out of the 11 projects reviewed, seven were related to road infrastructure, two to railways, one to information technology, and one to the metro system. These projects were scrutinized based on their alignment with PM GatiShakti's objectives.

Road Infrastructure Projects

4-lane NH from Kishanganj to Bahadurganj – Enhancing regional road connectivity.

Greenfield Regional Expressway (Girmapur to Choutuppal, NH-65) – Strengthening intercity transport.

Six-lane Connectivity to Visakhapatnam Port Road – Improving port logistics.

Jaipur Northern Ring Road – Addressing urban traffic congestion.

Six-lane Zirakpur Bypass with Three-Level Interchange – Reducing bottlenecks and improving mobility.

Railway Projects

New BG Line from Bhagalpur to Jamalpur – Expanding railway connectivity in Bihar.

Doubling of Aurangabad-Parbhani Rail Line – Enhancing rail capacity and reducing transit times.

Information Technology Initiative

National Knowledge Network (NKN) Phase-II – A high-speed network strengthening digital infrastructure, research collaboration, and e-Governance.

Metro Project

GIFT City Metro Corridor (7.585 km) – A two-phase metro project aimed at improving urban mobility within Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT).

Significance of These Projects These evaluated projects are set to play a transformative role in India's infrastructure landscape. By enhancing multimodal logistics, improving interconnectivity, and streamlining freight and passenger movement, they contribute significantly to India's economic growth. The integration of modern technology and sustainable infrastructure development will further position India as a global logistics hub.

Conclusion The evaluation of these 11 projects under the PM GatiShakti framework underscores the government's commitment to holistic and future-ready infrastructure development. With a focus on efficiency, connectivity, and socio-economic benefits, these projects will drive India’s growth trajectory and reinforce its position in the global supply chain. As these projects progress, they are expected to unlock new opportunities, facilitate trade, and elevate the nation's transportation and digital ecosystem.