New Delhi: The 58th Network Planning Group (NPG) meeting took place today in New Delhi, led by Sumita Dawra, the Special Secretary (Logistics) of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The meeting focused on vital infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing transportation and fostering economic growth.
The event witnessed active participation from various government departments and ministries, including the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the Ministry of Railways, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Ministry of Power, the Department of Telecommunications, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and NITI Aayog. Additionally, project-state nodal officers were present, contributing their insights and perspectives.
During the meeting, discussions revolved around Greenfield rail connectivity projects situated in the state of Odisha. These projects, with a total estimated cost exceeding Rs. 4,000 Crores, are anticipated to benefit traffic to and from the ports in Odisha, facilitate iron ore transportation from local mines, and stimulate industrial development in the project region by bolstering multimodal connectivity.
The meeting also addressed road projects located in the states of West Bengal, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Kerala. These initiatives are expected to invigorate economic growth in underdeveloped regions by improving access to crucial economic hubs, industrial zones, and agricultural areas along the corridor. The highway projects will enhance overall transportation connectivity, making it more convenient for individuals to access healthcare facilities, educational institutions, economic centers, and will reduce travel distances and times, especially in rural or remote areas.
Special Secretary Sumita Dawra underscored the significance of the discussed projects and their positive impacts on local industries, employment generation, the environment, and the overall socio-economic development of the region. She urged the ministries to incorporate the Area Development Planning Approach into project planning and engage with state governments and ministries to identify infrastructure gaps and promote integrated planning. The meeting also emphasized the importance of multimodality and sufficient first/last-mile connectivity in the project region. Attendees recognized the importance of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan and the enhanced efficiency in infrastructure planning through data-backed decision-making processes.