TWO RAILWAYS AND SIX NICDC PROJECTS ARE ASSESSD BY NPG
On June 21, 2024, the Network Planning Group (NPG) held its 73rd meeting in New Delhi under PM GatiShakti. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) Additional Secretary, Shri Rajeev Singh Thakur, presided over the meeting. Eight major infrastructure projects were the subject of the conference; two were from the Ministry of Railways (MoR) and six were from the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC), DPIIT.
The first project from the Ministry of Railways is to build a 160-kilometer fourth broad gauge railway line in the districts of Nashik and Jalgaon, Maharashtra, from Manmad to Jalgaon. The project, which is expected to cost INR 2,594 crores, aims to improve the current line’s section capacity to allow for more efficient flow of passenger and freight trains. The second project being undertaken by the Ministry of Railways involves building 130.5 km of third and fourth broad gauge railway lines, connecting Bhusawal in the Jalgaon district of Maharashtra with the districts of Burhanpur and Khandwa in Madhya Pradesh. Under PM GatiShakti this project, which is expected to cost INR 3,285 crores, is expected to significantly increase section capacity, support regional development, and increase Indian Railways’ market share in the logistics industry. These outcomes will support the region’s economic growth and provide sustainable transportation options. Both projects are a part of the Ministry of Railways’ Energy Mineral Cement Corridor (EMCC) program, which connects regions that produce coal, cement, and minerals.
With an expected investment of INR 8,175 crores, four initiatives under NICDC focus on developing Integrated Manufacturing Clusters (IMCs) in Agra and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, Hisar in Haryana, and Gaya in Bihar. The projects’ goal is to create cutting-edge manufacturing hubs that meet Industry 4.0 requirements. These hubs will have smart technology, logistics, residential and commercial buildings, and services for healthcare and education. Among other industries served by the IMCs are E-mobility, food processing, FMCG, leather, and apparel.
With a projected expenditure of INR 5,367 crores, two projects from NICDC under PM GatiShakti entail the development of Kopparthy Industrial Area in YSR Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh and Oravakal Industrial Area in Kurnool district. In order to draw in industry, the project intends to build cutting-edge infrastructure, and its key locations are close to important thoroughfares, railroads, and seaports. The objective of these projects is to promote socio-economic advancement and create noteworthy job prospects.
During the meeting, all projects were evaluated for their integrated planning and conformity with the PM GatiShakti principles. Emphasis was placed on the socio-economic benefits, improved connectivity, reduced transit costs and enhanced efficiency. These projects are expected to play a pivotal role in improving connectivity, enhancing logistics efficiency, and establishing advanced manufacturing ecosystems across India, poised to drive industrial growth, boost competitiveness, and contribute significantly to the nation’s economic development goals.
