October 19, 2023: The Network Planning Group (NPG) took up for discussion four projects, including three projects of the road transport ministry and one project of the railways, during its 57th meeting held on October 17 in New Delhi. Together, these projects will require an estimated cost of Rs 19,520.77 crore.
This takes the total number of projects assessed by the NPG to 115 with a total value of about Rs 11.70 lakh crore since the launch of the PM GatiShakti approach.
The meeting also saw special emphasis on adoption of the area-development approach in infrastructure project planning, which will ensure overall socio-economic development in the region. Special emphasis was also placed on effective and intelligent integration of projects with other existing/upcoming infrastructure projects to improve multi-modality in the region.
4-lane highway from Parsarma to Araria
The first project that was discussed in the meeting is the 4-lane greenfield highway from Parsarma to Araria (NH-327E) in Bihar. The road development would benefit traffic originating from Supaul, Madhepura, Araria, Madhubani, Darbhanga and Saharsa districts. The road will provide an alternative option to the East-West Corridor from the point of view of national security and for various trade activities, such as the transportation of grains like bamboo, makhana, maize, rice, etc. Additionally, there is high potential for agro-based industries, jute and plywood industries, and fish farming in Supaul and Araria districts, which will benefit from this road project.
Widening, upgrade of Tamenglong-Mahur Road
The second road project discussed in the meeting was widening and upgrade of 19.7-km road from Tamenglong to Mahur (NH-137) in Assam. The project corridor will facilitate intermodal transport from Mahur and Khongsang Railway Station and the Silchar airport. Additionally, the project will serve two tribal districts and is expected to contribute to its socio-economic development. The project will also improve the connectivity to Multimodal Logistics Park (MMLP) in the region and industrial units along the stretch.
Dhupguri-Salsalabari Road
The NPG also discussed a road project located in West Bengal. The project section starts from Dhupguri and passes through Falakata and terminates at Salsalabari. The project road is part of the East-West Corridor joining Porbandar in the west to Silchar in the east. The project is expected to reduce the distance by 25 km between Dhupguri and Salsalabari as compared to existing roads. The road is also expected to improve the connectivity to the North-Eastern part of the country.
Doubling of line between Sabarmati and Sarkhej
The NPG discussed one railway project, which involved doubling the line between Sabarmati and Sarkhej, and a new BG double line from Sarkhej to Dholera (DSIR) in Gujarat. The project involves construction of a spur line for Lothal National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) & Dholera airport as well. This project would help in developing the DSIR as a new economic region in Gujarat. The entire project is Greenfield in nature. This railway line in conjunction with the expressway will provide much needed development and connectivity to drive the development of agriculture, trade, and transportation. Additionally, this project will push the Government’s initiative of “vocal for local” by boosting small scale industries. This project will benefit Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR), which is planned as a Special Investment Region in which huge amounts of investment and economic activities are expected to happen.
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