On June 21, the Network Planning Group (NPG) convened its 73rd meeting in New Delhi, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said on Thursday. Evaluating eight significant infrastructure projects' six from the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) and two from the Ministry of Railways (MoR)?was the main goal of the conference. Rajeev Singh Thakur, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade's (DPIIT) Additional Secretary, served as its chair.

The first project from the Ministry of Railways is to build a fourth broad-gauge railway line in the districts of Nashik and Jalgaon, Maharashtra, that would run for 160 km from Manmad to Jalgaon. This project, which is expected to cost Rs 25.94 billion, intends to expand the capacity of the current railway line, enabling smoother movement of cargo and passenger trains. It aligns with national infrastructure priorities and is crucial for meeting future transportation demands in the region.

The second project from the Ministry of Railways is to build third and fourth broad-gauge railway lines that would span 130.5 km, connecting Burhanpur and Khandwa districts in Madhya Pradesh with Bhusawal in Maharashtra's Jalgaon district.

At an estimated cost of Rs 32.85 billion, this project is anticipated to greatly improve section capacity, encourage regional development, and grow Indian Railways' market position in the logistics industry. This will support regional economic growth and offer environmentally friendly transit options. The Energy Mineral Cement Corridor (EMCC) initiative, which includes both railway projects, aims to connect regions that produce coal, cement, and minerals.

Additionally, four NICDC projects focus on developing Integrated Manufacturing Clusters (IMCs) in Agra and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, Hisar in Haryana, and Gaya in Bihar, with an estimated investment of Rs 81.75 billion.

The goal of these initiatives is to establish Industry 4.0-compliant, cutting-edge manufacturing centres that integrate smart technology, logistics, residential and commercial buildings, and healthcare and education services. The FMCG, garment, leather, e-mobility, food processing, and leather industries will all be served by the IMCs. With an expected investment of Rs 53.67 billion, two more NICDC projects entail developing the Kopparthy Industrial Area in the YSR Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh and the Oravakal Industrial Area in the Kurnool district.

These projects, which are ideally situated close to important roads, train tracks, and seaports, seek to develop cutting-edge infrastructure in order to draw in industries. They are anticipated to significantly increase job prospects and promote socioeconomic improvement.

All projects were assessed for integrated planning and conformity to the PM GatiShakti principles during the conference. The ministry highlighted the anticipated improvements in efficiency, decreased transit costs, increased connectivity, and socioeconomic advantages from these initiatives.

According to the government, these initiatives would be critical to developing innovative manufacturing ecosystems throughout India, increasing logistical effectiveness, and boosting connectivity. They have the potential to greatly advance the country's economic development objectives while also accelerating industrial expansion and increasing competitiveness.