Shri Amardeep Bhatia, Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), chaired a high-level meeting to assess and resolve critical issues affecting mega infrastructure projects in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Delhi, and Jharkhand. Attended by senior officials from central ministries, state governments, and project proponents, the meeting aimed to fast-track issue resolution through enhanced inter-ministerial and state coordination, facilitated by the Project Monitoring Group (PMG).

A total of 21 issues across 17 significant projects were reviewed, including nine projects under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The combined investment in these projects exceeds Rs 135.01 billion. A key focus of the meeting was the Varanasi-Ranchi-Kolkata Expressway project, valued at Rs 96.23 billion, which faced seven unresolved issues across six project packages. As a major component of the Bharatmala Yojana, the expressway is set to enhance regional connectivity across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Once completed, it is expected to significantly boost trade and freight movement, benefiting industries reliant on the Kolkata and Haldia ports for maritime commerce.

The meeting also underscored the government's initiative to establish new National Institutes of Technology (NITs) in strategic locations. This ambitious plan aims to bridge regional disparities in technical education while meeting the increasing demand for skilled engineers and technical professionals. Beyond strengthening the academic landscape, these institutions will play a pivotal role in driving regional economic growth by fostering innovation, research, and industry collaboration.

Reaffirming DPIIT’s commitment to strengthening institutional frameworks for project monitoring, Shri Bhatia directed authorities to adopt a proactive approach in addressing pending challenges. He emphasised the importance of private sector participation in leveraging the specialised mechanisms offered by the Project Monitoring Group (PMG) to accelerate project implementation. By ensuring seamless coordination among the Central Government, State Authorities, and private stakeholders, the initiative seeks to drive efficient and timely execution of critical infrastructure projects, fostering economic development across multiple regions.