New Delhi: On August 15, 2021, during the occasion of the 75th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the ‘PM Gati Shakti’ initiative while addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort. Also known as the National Master Plan for Multi-modal Connectivity, it was launched on October 13, 2021. PM Gati Shakti has been designed to bring various ministries, including railways and roadways, to ensure integrated planning and coordinated execution of infrastructure projects. The initiative aims to provide seamless and efficient connectivity for the movement of people, goods, and services.
Recently, the Network Planning Group’s 85th meeting under the PM Gati Shakti initiative assessed five projects which comprises two railway projects and three highway projects that aim to boost the logistics, connectivity and trade of India.
Railway Projects: Enhancing Freight and Passenger Movement
Dangoaposi-Jaroli third and fourth lines
The aim of this project is to build third and fourth railway lines which will be parallel to the corridor that already exists. It spans 85.88 km across Jharkhand and Odisha and the lines play an important role in the transportation of iron ore from the Keonjhar region which is rich in mineral to the Paradip Port and industrial hubs. Also, these lines will efficiently move commodities like gypsum, fertilizers, and coal.
Burhwal-Gonda Kacheri fourth line
This project is being implemented in Uttar Pradesh. The length of the fourth rail line is 55.75 km and it is being built to increase the efficiency of the double lines which are present and the ongoing work of the third line. Its aim is to improve connectivity in Bahraich, Gonda and Barabanki districts by streamlining passenger traffic and freight. Once completed, this project will ensure smooth movement of goods to the Northeast which will boost connectivity and regional logistics.
Highway Expansion: Boosting Trade and Regional Connectivity
Barabanki-Bahraich NH-927 Corridor
In this project, a stretch of NH-927 with the length of 101.54 km will be upgraded into a four-lane configuration with six-lane structures. The improved highway will connect the Shravasti Airport, Lucknow, NH-27, and the India-Nepal border. It will bolster trade and reduce time travel across Northern India, supporting industries, trade and tourism in the region.
Kanpur-Kabrai Greenfield Highway
A Greenfield highway with four lanes with six-lane structures with the length of 118.8 km will connect Kanpur Ring Road to Kabrai on NH-35. The project will have multimodal connectivity to three airports and seven railway stations and will increase accessibility across Hamirpur, Mahoba and Kanpur districts. The project will result in industrial and economic growth in Uttar Pradesh.
Singhana-Titanwar Highway
This project involves a 4-lane Greenfield highway which is access-controlled and will have a length of 40.725 km. The highway along NH-311 enhance connectivity in Rajasthan. It will connect Jodhpur, Nagaur, Sikar and Delhi and will streamline passenger movement and freight movement. Also, it will boost regional trade and result in economic development in Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi.
These projects show that under PM Gati Shakti, the government is committed to bolstering the infrastructure of India. They will reduce transit times, enhance multimodal connectivity, and improve logistics efficiency, which will result in economic and sustainable growth.
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