The 81st meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) under the PM GatiShakti initiative was held recently, chaired by Rajeev Singh Thakur, Additional Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). During this session, five key infrastructure projects, including road and aviation developments, were evaluated for their alignment with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan’s principles of integrated and synchronised planning.
Among the projects discussed was the Vrindavan Bypass in Uttar Pradesh, a greenfield development aimed at constructing a 16.75 km route linking NH-44 to the Yamuna Expressway. This bypass is expected to drastically reduce travel time between these major highways, cutting it from 1.5 hours to just 15 minutes. The improved connectivity is projected to stimulate tourism, industrial growth, and trade in the region, providing a much-needed boost to Vrindavan’s economy.
Another significant project under evaluation is the Sandalpur-Badi Road in Madhya Pradesh, a hybrid greenfield/brownfield initiative focusing on the construction of a four-lane highway on NH-146B, spanning 142.26 km. This project seeks to ease traffic congestion between Indore and Jabalpur, particularly in Bhopal. The route will link several National Highways, boosting socio-economic development and enhancing access to tourist hubs in the state.
Maharashtra saw two road projects under review, including the Junnar-Taleghar Road and the Bhimashankar-Rajgurunagar Road. The Junnar-Taleghar Road upgrade involves enhancing a 55.94 km stretch between Bhimashankar, Junnar, and NH-61, with a focus on improving cargo and passenger movement. Similarly, the Bhimashankar-Rajgurunagar Road project will improve road infrastructure over a 60.45 km stretch, facilitating economic growth and improving access to healthcare and education for remote communities along the route.
The final project evaluated was the development of a new integrated terminal building at Srinagar Airport in Budgam, Jammu & Kashmir. This brownfield expansion will significantly increase the airport's capacity, adding a new terminal building and accommodating up to 10 million passengers annually. The project also includes extending the airport apron and enhancing parking and staff accommodation facilities.
All five projects were assessed for their contributions to multimodal infrastructure, last-mile connectivity, and the potential socio-economic benefits they would bring to their respective regions. These infrastructure developments are seen as critical components of nation-building under the PM GatiShakti initiative, aligning with India’s vision of integrated development and improved quality of life.
These projects, once implemented, will provide considerable benefits in terms of improved connectivity, economic development, and ease of living, making significant contributions to the nation's overall growth.
