The 77th Meeting of the Network Planning Group under the PM Gati Shakti initiative took place yesterday in New Delhi, chaired by Rajeev Singh Thakur, Additional Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The meeting focused on evaluating six major infrastructure projects from various ministries, including Railways, Road Transport and Highways, Civil Aviation, and Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. These evaluations were conducted to ensure alignment with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (NMP) principles.
Among the projects discussed, the expansion of Siliguri Airport in West Bengal was highlighted. This brownfield project will include a new terminal capable of handling 10 million passengers annually and an apron designed to accommodate 10 aircraft. Located in the strategic “chicken neck” area, Siliguri Airport is a critical gateway to the North-eastern region, making this expansion essential for addressing growing connectivity needs in the area.
Another significant project is the development of a Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) in Nashik, Maharashtra. Spanning 109.97 acres, this greenfield initiative aims to integrate road and rail transport to enhance logistics efficiency, reduce costs, and support regional industries. The park will offer facilities for cargo consolidation, storage, and customs clearance and is expected to handle 3.11 million metric tons of cargo annually from 2029 onwards.
In the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, a major greenfield project involves developing an International Container Transshipment Port (ICTP) at Galathea Bay on Great Nicobar Island. With a project cost of ₹44,313 crores, this port will capitalize on the bay’s strategic location and deep waters to handle transshipment cargo from Indian ports and neighboring countries, boosting India’s maritime trade competitiveness and generating significant economic benefits.
The greenfield Hazira – Gothangam New Rail Line in Gujarat is also noteworthy. This project will construct a 36.35 km Broad Gauge (BG) Double Line connecting Gothangam to Hazira. It aims to improve section capacity, enhance connectivity to major industries and the Hazira port, and support the efficient movement of bulk and containerized cargo. The project is expected to foster regional economic development, reduce road traffic, and minimize environmental impacts by shifting cargo transportation from road to rail.
Lastly, the Bilasipara – Guwahati Road upgrade in Assam involves converting a 44.56 km stretch of NH-17 between Chirakuta (Bilasipara) and Tulungia into a 4-lane road. This upgrade will improve regional connectivity by linking Assam to West Bengal, Meghalaya, and key infrastructure, including the Multi-Modal Logistics Park at Jogighopa and Rupsi and Guwahati Airports. The road enhancement is anticipated to significantly boost economic activity, reduce travel time, and alleviate congestion in the region.
