In a significant development, four infrastructure projects of roads and railways, with a combined value of Rs 23,500 crore, have been put forward for approval under the ambitious PM Gati Shakti initiative. These projects were subject to thorough evaluation during the 58th Network Planning Group (NPG) meeting held on October 17.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry disclosed in a statement on Wednesday, “Road and railway projects aimed at establishing multimodal connectivity, with a total project cost exceeding Rs 23,500 crore, were deliberated upon in the NPG.”
Identifying infrastructural gaps
The crucial meeting was chaired by Sumita Dawra, Special Secretary (Logistics) from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
During the meeting, Dawra emphasized the importance of integrating an area development planning approach into the project planning process and urged the ministries to engage with state authorities. This interaction is vital for identifying infrastructural gaps and fostering integrated planning, ultimately ensuring comprehensive development.
The NPG, an inter-ministerial body, convenes every fortnight to appraise infrastructure projects. Its primary objectives include ensuring multi-modality, harmonising efforts, and promoting holistic development in and around the project locations.
PM Gati Shakti initiative
The PM Gati Shakti initiative was launched with the primary goal of establishing an integrated infrastructure network to reduce logistics costs significantly. Under this initiative, all logistics and connectivity infrastructure projects, requiring investments exceeding Rs 500 crore, are routed through the NPG for approval. The NPG’s endorsement is a prerequisite before the projects can proceed to clearance by the Public Investment Board (PIB) or the Department of Expenditure under the Ministry of Finance.
Notably, the majority of the projects recommended by the NPG are closely linked to the development of roads, railways, and urban infrastructure. These recommendations underscore the commitment to bolster the nation’s transportation and logistics network, a pivotal step towards advancing economic growth and connectivity.
