Evaluating Key Infrastructure Projects: The 81st Meeting of the Network Planning Group under PM GatiShakti
On October 10, 2024, the 81st meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) was held under the PM GatiShakti initiative, chaired by Shri Rajeev Singh Thakur, Additional Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). This meeting focused on assessing five vital infrastructure projects from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), emphasizing their alignment with the integrated planning principles outlined in the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (NMP).
1. Vrindavan Bypass, Uttar Pradesh
One of the highlighted projects is the Vrindavan Bypass, a greenfield initiative spanning 16.75 km. This bypass will connect NH-44 to the Yamuna Expressway, significantly reducing travel time from 1.5 hours to just 15 minutes. By alleviating traffic congestion in Vrindavan, the project is expected to enhance connectivity and promote tourism, trade, and industrial growth in the region. Once operational, it will play a crucial role in improving regional accessibility and fostering socio-economic development.
2. Sandalpur-Badi Road, Madhya Pradesh
Another significant project is the Sandalpur-Badi Road construction, which involves building a 4-lane highway over a stretch of 142.26 km. This project aims to improve connectivity between Indore and Jabalpur, facilitating smoother traffic flow and mitigating congestion, particularly in Bhopal. Serving as a crucial link, this highway will connect multiple National Highways and various economic and tourist nodes, ultimately fostering socio-economic growth in the area.
3. Junnar-Taleghar Road, Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, the Junnar-Taleghar Road project involves upgrading a 55.94 km stretch of road. The primary objective is to enhance connectivity between Bhimashankar, Junnar, Bankarphata, and NH-61, improving the movement of both cargo and passengers. This project is anticipated to boost tourism, especially in Bhimashankar, a significant pilgrimage center, and Junnar, known for its historic Shivneri Fort.
4. Bhimashankar-Rajgurunagar Road, Maharashtra
Another critical infrastructure initiative is the Bhimashankar-Rajgurunagar Road, aiming to enhance a 60.45 km stretch in Pune. This brownfield project focuses on improving road infrastructure to facilitate smooth movement of goods and passengers, promoting economic activities and better access to markets. Additionally, it will enhance access to education and healthcare services for remote communities along the route, reducing travel time and costs, thus benefiting commuters and businesses alike.
5. New Integrated Terminal at Budgam, Jammu & Kashmir
Lastly, a vital project involves the development of a new integrated terminal building and associated infrastructure at Srinagar Airport in Budgam, Jammu & Kashmir. This expansion includes constructing a terminal building covering 71,500 square meters, designed to handle a peak passenger traffic of 2,900 and an annual capacity of 10 million passengers. The project also entails the extension of the apron, new parking facilities, and residential quarters for AAI staff and CISF barracks.
Conclusion
The NPG’s evaluation of these projects underscored the principles of PM GatiShakti, emphasizing integrated development of multimodal infrastructure, last-mile connectivity, intermodal connectivity, and synchronized implementation. These infrastructure projects are poised to play pivotal roles in nation-building, delivering substantial socio-economic benefits, and enhancing the quality of life for citizens across the regions involved. The successful execution of these initiatives will not only improve connectivity but also stimulate economic growth and development in various sectors, reaffirming the government’s commitment to holistic infrastructure development.
