New Delhi: The Network Planning Group (NPG) convened for its 85th meeting and evaluated five crucial infrastructure projects, focusing on their alignment with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (NMP). This plan prioritizes integrated multimodal infrastructure development, last-mile connectivity, intermodal synergy, and synchronized project implementation. The projects, spanning both rail and road sectors, are expected to significantly impact national development, boosting logistical efficiency, reducing travel times, and delivering substantial socio-economic benefits, a PIB press release stated.
The meeting, chaired by Dr. Surendra Ahirwar, Joint Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), assessed two railway projects and three highway development projects.
The railway projects include the Dangoaposi-Jaroli 3rd & 4th Line project in Jharkhand and Odisha, and the Burhwal-Gonda Kacheri 4th Line project in Uttar Pradesh. The Dangoaposi-Jaroli project will construct 85.88 km of new lines, enhancing the transportation of iron ore from the mineral-rich Keonjhar region to industrial hubs and Paradip Port. This project aims to improve capacity, boost trade efficiency, and support the growth of industries in Eastern and Northern India.
The Burhwal-Gonda Kacheri project will add a 55.75 km fourth rail line, complementing the existing infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh. This line will improve connectivity between Barabanki, Bahraich, and Gonda districts, facilitating the smooth movement of passengers and freight, including coal, cement, fertilizers, and steel.
The highway projects under consideration include the Barabanki-Bahraich project in Uttar Pradesh, the Kanpur Ring Road-Kabrai project in Uttar Pradesh, and the Singhana-Titanwar project in Rajasthan. The Barabanki-Bahraich project will upgrade 101.54 km of NH-927 to a four-lane configuration, enhancing connectivity between Lucknow, Shrawasti Airport, NH-27, and the India-Nepal border. This project will open economic opportunities by supporting industries, tourism, and trade.
The Kanpur-Kabrai Highway project will build a 118.8 km Greenfield highway from Kanpur Ring Road to Kabrai on NH-35. The Kanpur-Kabrai Highway project will develop a 118.8 km 4-lane Greenfield highway with six-lane structures, connecting Kanpur Ring Road to Kabrai on NH-35. It connects seven railway stations and three airports, improving accessibility in Kanpur, Hamirpur, and Mahoba. This project will stimulate industrial development, tourism, and regional integration, making a significant contribution to economic growth in Uttar Pradesh.
The Singhana-Titanwar project proposes a 40.725 km four-lane access-controlled Greenfield Highway along NH-311 in Rajasthan. This project aims to improve freight and passenger movement, addressing the challenges of the existing single-to-intermediate lane road. This project will streamline logistics, boost regional trade, and support economic development in Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi.
These projects, upon completion, are anticipated to significantly contribute to India’s infrastructure landscape, ensuring the benefits of seamless connectivity reach every region. These initiatives align with the Government’s vision for integrated and sustainable development by bolstering multimodal transport systems and addressing critical infrastructure gaps.