The 63rd Network Planning Group (NPG) meeting, held at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, under the leadership of Special Secretary (Logistics), DPIIT, Smt. Sumita Dawra, discussed several infrastructure projects that aim to enhance the logistical efficiency and connectivity of the country . The projects discussed included a significant new railway line traversing Odisha and Chhattisgarh, facilitating efficient coal transportation from mines to industries and power plants in the Northern/Western regions; the Mirzapur-Ayodhya Corridor, with bypass roads for two key cities; and the development of a Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) in Andhra Pradesh.
PM GatiShakti National Master Plan: An Overview
PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (NMP) was launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister on 13th October 2021 for providing multimodal connectivity infrastructure to various economic zones. The plan is driven by seven engines, namely: Railways, Roads, Ports, Waterways, Airports, Mass Transport, and Logistics Infrastructure. These engines are supported by the complementary roles of Energy Transmission, IT Communication, Bulk Water & Sewerage, and Social Infrastructure. The plan is powered by Clean Energy and Sabka Prayas – the efforts of the Central Government, the state governments, and the private sector together – leading to huge job and entrepreneurial opportunities for all, especially the youth.
The plan has been developed as a Digital Master Planning tool by BISAG-N (Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics) on a dynamic Geographic Information System (GIS) platform. The platform integrates data on economic and social infrastructure, trunk and utility network, multimodal connectivity, tourist spots, land revenue maps, forest boundaries, etc. needed for project planning and implementation. Over 1,500 layers of data including land, ports, forest, and highways are available on the portal.
The plan also provides a framework for creating a data-driven decision support mechanism for an efficient logistics ecosystem aimed at reducing logistics costs and enhancing logistics efficiency in the country. The plan is complemented by the National Logistics Policy 2022 through its Comprehensive Logistics Action Plan (CLAP).
New Railway Line to Boost Coal Transportation and Coastal Shipping
One of the projects discussed in the 63rd NPG meeting was a new railway line traversing Odisha and Chhattisgarh, facilitating efficient coal transportation from mines to industries and power plants in the Northern/Western regions.
Emphasizing the GatiShakti initiative’s objective to minimize environmental impact, the project ensures minimal intersection with forests and provides road connectivity to the planned Multimodal Logistics Park.
The initiative seeks to decongest existing railway main lines, enhance efficiency, and connect mines to Paradip Port for coastal shipping.
According to a press release by PIB Delhi, this project is one of the 101 ports and shipping projects estimated at the cost of Rs. 60,872 crores that have been shortlisted for implementation under PM GatiShakti. Of these projects, 13 have already been completed, totaling Rs. 4,423 crore.
Mirzapur-Ayodhya Corridor to Enhance Connectivity and Tourism
The Mirzapur-Ayodhya Corridor, with bypass roads for two key cities, promises substantial logistical efficiency and reduced travel time.
The corridor aims to enhance connectivity to the Varanasi Multi-Modal Terminal, fostering a shift towards environmentally friendly inland waterway transportation.
It anticipates decongesting city areas and delivering socio-economic benefits, including job creation, improved tourism access, and enhanced road connectivity to economic centres.
This project is one of the 40 road projects with a total investment of Rs 3.65 lakh crore that have been recommended by NPG under PM GatiShakti.
Multi-Modal Logistics Park in Andhra Pradesh to Integrate Rail-Road Connectivity
A third project highlighted was the development of a Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) in Andhra Pradesh.
Positioned strategically near Bengaluru and Chennai, the MMLP integrates rail-road connectivity and promotes a modal shift towards efficient bulk cargo transportation.
This project is one of the eight urban development projects valued at Rs 79,016 crore that have been approved by NPG under PM GatiShakti.
Other Projects Recommended by NPG
The NPG under PM GatiShakti has so far recommended 106 infrastructure projects on the Principles of PM GatiShakti, with a total investment of Rs 11 lakh crore. Some of these projects are:
- Development of Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) connecting Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) with Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC).
- Development of Coastal Economic Zones (CEZs) along India’s coastline to boost port-led industrialization.
- Development of Defence Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to promote defence manufacturing.
- Development of Pharma Parks under Department of Pharmaceuticals to enhance production capacity and quality standards.
- Development of Mega Food Parks under Ministry of Food Processing Industries to reduce wastage and increase value addition.
Integrated Planning and Coordination
Sumita Dawra highlighted the importance of these projects for achieving multi-modal connectivity and regional development.
She encouraged Ministries to adopt the Area Development Planning Approach and work with local authorities, State Governments, and other Ministries for holistic planning.
The NPG members appreciated the use of the PM GatiShakti NMP portal for facilitating data-based decision-making and coordination among various stakeholders.