/prod-the-processor/media/agency_attachments/EB8E9EAMaN2KqoFW4QbL.png)
/prod-the-processor/media/member_avatars/JuFkbLUGO5W8CNJkP6SS.jpg )
/prod-the-processor/media/media_files/wxhUSK5OtIVr7CLuIMhC.jpg)
The Network Planning Group (NPG) operating under the PM Gati Shakti initiative has projected staggering savings of up to ₹15 crore per kilometre for National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) projects. Spearheaded by Sumita Dawra, the special secretary of the department for the promotion of industry and internal trade, the NPG has been instrumental in reshaping the landscape of infrastructure planning and execution.
Driving Savings through Integration and Modifications
The projected savings stem from a strategic reduction in road length achieved by integrating various expressway corridors and optimizing alignments for NHAI projects. This approach, as outlined by Dawra, has led to significant cost reductions, amounting to potential savings of ₹15 crore per kilometre—a monumental feat in the realm of infrastructure development.
Since its inception in October 2021, the NPG has assessed 119 infrastructure projects worth a staggering $143.26 billion. Furthermore, it has extended its expertise to recommend enhancements for over 200 state logistics infrastructure projects valued at $660 million. Beyond its primary focus on roads and railways, the NPG has broadened its scope to encompass social sector planning, addressing critical needs like healthcare, education, irrigation, and connectivity.
PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan: A Blueprint for Integration
The launch of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan in 2021 marked a pivotal moment in infrastructure development. The initiative aims to craft a cohesive and meticulously planned infrastructure network, meticulously designed to curtail logistics costs. Dawra emphasized that PM Gati Shakti has already formulated over 75 actionable use cases, ready for immediate implementation.
The NPG's impact extends beyond road and rail networks. By providing comprehensive data to various ministries, including education, health, power, and shipping, the group has expedited project planning and implementation. For instance, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has witnessed substantial savings in time and costs, alongside reduced carbon footprints, owing to faster alignment finalization based on PM Gati Shakti data.
Catalysing Efficiency Across Ministries
Dawra highlighted notable efficiency gains across ministries. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), for instance, now generates pipeline project reports within a day, a stark improvement from the laborious 6-9 months previously required for manual preparation. This expedited process has led to substantial savings, notably ₹169 crore in the alignment of pipelines under the North-east gas grid.
In a testament to its proactive approach, the NPG identified 192 railway connectivity projects amounting to ₹5.26 trillion within just one month under the NMP. Additionally, it has pinpointed 156 infrastructure gaps critical for providing last-mile connectivity to pivotal export-import gateways, with 100 of these projects already sanctioned for the current financial year.
Bridging Connectivity Gaps
The NPG's role extends to providing mobile connectivity to approximately 26,000 villages lacking telecom access. By supplying vital data on land availability for telecom towers and electric supply station installations, the group is actively bridging the digital divide and facilitating essential connectivity.