In a recent statement, the commerce and industry ministry announced the recommendation for approval of three major infrastructure projects in roads and railways, collectively valued at Rs 9,600 crore, under the PM Gati Shakti initiative. These projects were deliberated upon during the 64th Network Planning Group (NPG) meeting held on October 17.
Chaired by Sumita Dawra, Special Secretary (Logistics) at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the NPG reviewed three proposed greenfield projects – one from the Ministry of Railways and two from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
The NPG, an inter-ministerial body, convenes fortnightly to evaluate infrastructure projects, ensuring a multi-modal approach, coordination of efforts, and holistic development in the project vicinity. The PM Gati Shakti initiative aims to create integrated infrastructure, ultimately reducing logistics costs. All logistics and connectivity projects with investments exceeding Rs 500 crore undergo NPG scrutiny before potential clearance by the Public Investment Board (PIB) or the Department of Expenditure under the finance ministry.
The majority of projects endorsed by the NPG to date have been related to roads, railways, and urban development, aligning with the initiative’s goal of comprehensive and synchronized infrastructure development.