Big Plans for New Railways and Industrial Areas in India
The 73rd meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) was held in New Delhi on June 21. The meeting, chaired by Rajeev Singh Thakur, Additional Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), focused on eight major infrastructure projects.
Railway Projects
The Ministry of Railways presented two projects:
- Manmad to Jalgaon Railway Line: A fourth broad-gauge railway line spanning 160 kilometers in Maharashtra, costing Rs 2,594 crores. This project aims to increase capacity and improve cargo and passenger train movement.
- Bhusawal to Burhanpur and Khandwa Railway Lines: Third and fourth broad-gauge railway lines covering 130.5 kilometers in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, costing Rs 3,285 crores. This project aims to enhance section capacity and promote regional development.
Industrial Projects
The National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) presented six projects:
- Integrated Manufacturing Clusters (IMCs): Located in Agra and Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh), Hisar (Haryana), and Gaya (Bihar), with an investment of Rs 8,175 crores. These clusters will include smart technologies, logistics, residential and commercial facilities, and cater to sectors like e-mobility, food processing, FMCG, leather, and apparel.
- Oravakal and Kopparthy Industrial Areas: Located in Andhra Pradesh, with an investment of Rs 5,367 crores. These areas aim to attract industries and are strategically located near major highways, railway lines, and seaports.
All projects were evaluated for their integrated planning and adherence to the PM GatiShakti principles. The ministry emphasized the socio-economic benefits, improved connectivity, reduced transit costs, and enhanced efficiency these projects are expected to bring. These initiatives are poised to drive industrial growth, boost competitiveness, and significantly contribute to India’s economic development goals.