NPG Review: Seven Projects, One Vision for PM GatiShakti

The 108th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) was held at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to review and assess key infrastructure proposals.

During the meeting, the NPG evaluated seven road projects to ensure alignment with the PM GatiShakti framework, with a focus on integrated multimodal infrastructure and improved last-mile connectivity to major economic and social hubs. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) presented several proposals aimed at enhancing regional connectivity, improving freight movement, and strengthening strategic access across the country.

In Tamil Nadu, a six-lane corridor has been proposed on NH 544 from Salem to Kumarapalayam, spanning 102.035 km along the high-density Kochi–Coimbatore–Bengaluru freight and passenger corridor. The project includes the development of service roads, upgraded junctions and interchanges, widened bridges, flyovers, road-over-bridges (ROBs), and culverts to improve traffic flow, road safety, and connectivity to industrial clusters, SEZs, logistics parks, and railway terminals.

In Andhra Pradesh, the proposed 189.93 km Amaravati Outer Ring Road (ORR) is a greenfield project aimed at decongesting urban areas and strengthening multimodal connectivity. The ORR will link Vijayawada, Guntur, and Tenali, while also providing access to airports and major ports such as Machilipatnam and Krishnapatnam. The project is expected to enhance freight efficiency, reduce travel time by 30–40 percent, and lower emissions.

In Jammu and Kashmir, a 62.10 km two-lane road with paved shoulders is planned from Rafiabad to Tangdhar via Kupwara and Chowkibal. The project will improve connectivity in border areas and support defence logistics.

All the proposals were reviewed under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan to ensure integrated, multimodal, and last-mile infrastructure development.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.