The 108th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) on Wednesday reviewed major infrastructure proposals to strengthen multimodal connectivity across India under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan.
The meeting assessed seven road projects, six of which were identified as key multimodal connectivity initiatives with significant socio-economic impact, aimed at improving last-mile linkages, logistics efficiency and integrated infrastructure planning.
Among the major proposals was the six-laning of the 102-km Salem–Kumarapalayam stretch of NH-544 in Tamil Nadu, a critical segment of the Kochi–Coimbatore–Bengaluru corridor. The project includes service roads, upgraded junctions, bridges and flyovers, and is expected to enhance freight movement for sectors such as textiles, manufacturing, agri-processing and container cargo by improving access to industrial hubs, SEZs, logistics parks, rail terminals and airports.
In Andhra Pradesh, the NPG reviewed plans for a 189.93-km Amaravati Outer Ring Road, a greenfield expressway aimed at easing congestion around Amaravati, Vijayawada, Guntur and Tenali. Designed as a multimodal corridor, it will integrate with National Waterway-4 and improve connectivity to Machilipatnam and Krishnapatnam ports, while providing faster access to Vijayawada Airport. The project is expected to cut travel time by up to 40% and reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
Proposals in Jammu & Kashmir included a 62.10-km two-lane Rafiabad–Tangdhar corridor to support regional development and defence logistics along the Line of Control, and a 48.108-km Leh greenfield bypass to decongest Leh town while improving connectivity between NH-01 and NH-03 and access to Leh Airport.
The NPG also reviewed the four-laning of the 77.102-km Chitrakoot–Majhgawan–Satna corridor, which is expected to facilitate freight movement for the cement industry in the Satna region and improve access to airports, rail links and religious centres.
Other projects discussed included a 156.10-km access-controlled greenfield highway from Rourkela to Sithiyo, strengthening connectivity between Odisha and Jharkhand, and a 9.98-km six-lane greenfield link between Kanhauli and Sherpur as part of the Patna Ring Road to ease congestion and improve access to Bihta Airport and logistics hubs.
According to the Ministry, the projects are aimed at reducing logistics costs, improving travel efficiency and accelerating balanced regional development through enhanced multimodal connectivity.
