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Representational Image (Pic: Canva)
The 78th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) under the PM Gati Shakti initiative was convened in New Delhi on Friday, focusing on the evaluation of 18 vital road infrastructure projects proposed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
Among the notable discussions, there was the mention of one prominent project in Kerala, forming part of a broader effort to enhance connectivity and integrate regional planning under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (NMP).
Kerala's Strategic Road Project
Madurai-Kollam Integrated Corridor (ICR): One of the most prominent projects discussed is the Madurai-Kollam ICR, a 4-lane corridor that spans 129.92 km, with 61.62 km falling within Kerala's jurisdiction. This corridor is a collaborative initiative between Tamil Nadu and Kerala, aimed at improving connectivity between major economic hubs across the states. The project will significantly reduce travel distance by 10 km and is expected to double the average speed, thus enhancing freight movement and reducing travel times.
Projects in Other States
Chennai-Mahabalipuram-Pondicherry Corridor: Another key project is the Chennai-Mahabalipuram-Pondicherry Corridor, which extends 46.05 km and is designed to bolster connectivity along the state's coastal regions. This 4-lane road aims to improve access to vital coastal areas, promoting economic growth and facilitating smoother transportation for both people and goods.
Several other important infrastructure developments were reviewed:
• Tamil Nadu: Includes the Madurai-Dhanushkodi Highway (46.67 km) and the Chennai-Mahabalipuram-Pondicherry Corridor (46.05 km), designed to improve regional connectivity.
• Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh: Projects such as the Belagavi Ring Road (75.39 km), Tumkur Bypass (44.10 km), Bhopal-Sagar Economic Corridor (138 km), and Western Bypass of Gwalior City (56.90 km) were discussed.
• Maharashtra and Telangana: Notable projects include the Ahmednagar-Solapur Corridor (59.22 km), Talegaon-Chakan–Shikrapur Corridor (54 km), Jagtial-Karimnagar Highways (58.87 km), and Armoor-Jagtial-Mancherial Highway (131.90 km).
• Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Bihar: The meeting also covered the Badvel-Nellore Corridor (108.13 km), Sambalpur Ring Road (35.38 km), Cuttack Paradip Corridor (86.79 km), and Bakarpur-Manikpur-Sahebgunj-Areraj-Bettiah Highway (162.95 km).
What is PM Gati Shakti?
The Government of India has introduced the PM Gati Shakti scheme - National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity to streamline the planning and execution of infrastructure projects to reduce logistics costs. It integrates various infrastructure schemes from different Ministries and State Governments, such as Bharatmala, Sagarmala, inland waterways, dry/land ports, and UDAN. Additionally, it encompasses economic zones including textile and pharmaceutical clusters, defence corridors, electronic parks, industrial corridors, fishing clusters, and agricultural zones. The goal is to enhance connectivity and boost competitiveness for Indian businesses.
