Context:
• The 101st meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) evaluated infrastructure projects under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS NMP), focusing on multimodal connectivity, logistics efficiency, and last-mile connectivity.
• Projects from Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) and Ministry of Railways (MoR) were reviewed for alignment with integrated multimodal infrastructure and ‘Whole of Government’ approach.
• Objective: Boost logistics efficiency, reduce travel time, and provide socio-economic benefits to catchment areas.
Key Highlights – MoRTH Projects
- Rehabilitation and Upgradation of NH-160A (Ghoti–Palghar, Maharashtra)
• Length: 154.635 km
• Strategic Importance: Alternate freight corridor connecting Nashik industrial clusters to western coastal ports, decongesting urban corridors.
• Connectivity: Improved linkages with railheads (Nashik, Palghar, Dahanu) and highways (NH-60, NH-48, NH-848).
• Expected Benefits:
- High-capacity freight corridor linking Nashik industrial hubs with Palghar ports.
- Access to Nashik Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) and port-bound corridors.
- Faster transport of perishable goods and support for cold-chain logistics.
- Promotion of tourism and MSME growth in Trimbak, Jawhar, Manor, and Palghar.
• Impact: Enhanced logistics efficiency, industrial competitiveness, and socio-economic development in northern and western Maharashtra.
- Development of 2-Lane with Paved Shoulder (Hiwarkhedi–Basinda-Roshni, Betul–Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh)
• Length: ~300 km
• Strategic Importance: Arterial route linking cities across Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
• Connectivity: Udaipur, Jhalawar, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Bharuch, Nashik, Dhule, Aurangabad, Amravati, Akola, Indore, Ujjain, Bhopal, Khandwa.
• Expected Benefits:
- Alternate and shorter route between Nagpur and Vadodara, improving freight and passenger movement.
- Improved access to industrial and economic zones, including NTPC Super Thermal Power Station (Selda, Khargone).
- Boost regional trade, reduce travel time, and lower transport costs.
• Impact: Catalyzes regional industrial growth and socio-economic development across Madhya Pradesh and adjoining states.
Key Highlights – Ministry of Railways Projects
- 3rd & 4th Line from Gamharia to Chandil (Jharkhand)
• Length: 56 km
• Purpose: Address congestion in Kandra–Chandil section (operating at 130% capacity, expected to reach 141%).
• Significance: Critical freight route for iron ore, raw materials to steel plants (Burnpur, Durgapur) and sponge iron industries (Asansol).
• Expected Benefits:
- Increased line capacity and reduced congestion.
- Enhanced freight efficiency for industrial and mineral corridors in eastern India.
- 4th Line from Sainthia–Pakur (West Bengal & Jharkhand)
• Length: 81.20 km
• Purpose: Augment line capacity on a busy corridor designated as an “Energy Corridor”, facilitating freight and passenger movement.
• Significance: Supports power plants (WBPDCL), cement plants, mining operations, and industrial logistics.
• Expected Benefits:
- Modal shift from road to rail for freight, improving cost efficiency and sustainability.
- Higher train punctuality, faster average freight speed, optimized rolling stock utilization.
- Boosts industrial growth, energy security, and regional economic development.
Significance and Outcomes:
• These projects collectively strengthen multimodal connectivity, promote efficient freight and passenger movement, and enhance industrial competitiveness.
• Alignment with PM GatiShakti principles ensures integrated infrastructure development, last-mile connectivity, and balanced socio-economic growth across regions.
Relevant Mains Points:
• Infrastructure and Economic Growth: Role of PM GatiShakti in enhancing logistics efficiency and regional development.
• Transport and Connectivity: Multimodal integration of road and rail networks for industrial and economic corridors.
• Sustainable Development: Efficient freight movement reduces congestion and transport costs, supporting sustainable logistics.
• Way Forward: Timely completion of projects, strengthen multimodal linkages, integrate logistics with industrial and port development, and monitor socio-economic impact.
UPSC Relevance:
• GS-2: Governance, public infrastructure planning, inter-ministerial coordination.
• GS-3: Transport infrastructure, logistics efficiency, PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, rail and road connectivity.
• Prelims: NH-160A (Ghoti–Palghar), Betul–Khandwa corridor, Gamharia–Chandil 3rd & 4th line, Sainthia–Pakur 4th line projects