The 58^th Network Planning Group (NPG) meeting was held here today, under the chairpersonship of Special Secretary (Logistics), Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Smt. Sumita Dawra in New Delhi. The meeting saw active participation from member Departments and Ministries, viz. Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Ministry of Power, Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and NITI Aayog. Additionally, project-state nodal officers also joined the meeting and shared their views.

In the meeting, Greenfield rail connectivity projects located in the State of Odisha were discussed. With the total cost of more than Rs 4,000 Crores, these projects are likely to benefit traffic to/from the ports in Odisha, iron ore traffic from local mines and expected to boost the industrial development in the project region by supporting multimodal connectivity in the area.

Road projects located in States of West Bengal, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh & Kerala were also discussed in the meeting. These projects are expected to promote the economic growth in economically backward regions through enhanced access to key economic centers, industrial zones, and agricultural regions along the corridor. The project Highway will enhance overall transportation connectivity, making it easier for people to access health facilities, educational institutes and economic centers and will reduce travel distances and travel times, particularly in rural or remote areas.

During the meeting, the Special Secretary emphasized on the importance of the projects discussed and highlighted their positive impact on local industries, employment generation, environment and overall socio-economic upliftment of the region. The Special Secretary requested the Ministries to incorporate the Area Development Planning Approach in project planning and have the interactions with State Government and Ministries, which shall ensure identification of infrastructural gaps and promote the integrated planning. The importance of multi-modality and adequate first/last connectivity in the project region was also discussed and emphasized. The importance of PM GatiShakti National Master Plan and how the infrastructure planning has become more efficient due to data backed decision making process was also recognized by the NPG members in attendance.

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