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The 95th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) was held to review key infrastructure projects related to Metro Rail, Roads & Highways, and Logistics Parks, in alignment with the principles of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan. The meeting focused on enhancing multimodal connectivity, last-mile access, and intermodal integration to strengthen logistics efficiency and promote regional socio-economic development.A total of five projects were assessed—one Metro Rail extension, two road infrastructure initiatives, and two Multi-Modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs).Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project Phase-2AThe Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs proposed a 6.032 km metro extension in Ahmedabad to directly connect Koteshwar Metro Station with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The project aims to improve intra-city transit, reduce congestion, and provide faster airport access for daily commuters, airport staff, and residents. Coordination has been carried out with multiple agencies, including the airport authority, municipal bodies, and urban development departments. The link is expected to enhance connectivity between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, contributing to sustainable urban mobility.Eight-Lane Highway to Vadhavan PortThe Ministry of Road Transport and Highways proposed constructing an 8-lane access-controlled highway on NH-248S to connect the upcoming Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra. Designed to support efficient cargo movement, the project is aligned with the port’s vision to become a leading global trade hub. Vadhavan Port, with a natural draft of 20 metres, will initially handle 15 million TEUs, expanding to 23.2 million TEUs in the second phase. The new road is projected to manage around 57,329 PCUs by 2030 and will integrate with key corridors such as the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway and NH-48 to ensure seamless freight evacuation.Four-Lane Elevated Corridor in JodhpurAnother project by MoRTH focuses on constructing a four-lane elevated road over a 7.633 km stretch in Jodhpur city between Mahamandir and Akhaliya Chouraha. The corridor, aligned along NH-62 and NH-125, is expected to bypass 28 major and minor junctions, reducing travel time by up to 20 minutes during peak hours. The initiative targets congestion relief in high-traffic urban areas and is designed to accommodate future increases in vehicle volume.MMLP HyderabadA Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) has been proposed at Parkibanda village in Telangana, covering 315 acres. The facility is projected to start operations by 2028 with an initial cargo handling capacity of 1.47 million metric tonnes (MMT), scaling up to 19.98 MMT by 2070. Strategically located near industrial hubs and well-connected by NH-44 and railway lines, the park is expected to streamline freight logistics and support industrial growth in and around Hyderabad. It will also benefit from future access to the Regional Ring Road and key ports like JNPT.MMLP PatnaA second MMLP is proposed at Jaitiya village in the Patna district of Bihar, spanning over 106.19 acres. It is expected to handle 5.43 MMT of cargo annually by 2071. The park is strategically situated near railway lines, highways, and industrial areas, with proximity to the Patna Airport and ISBT. It will offer integrated logistics services, supporting cargo movement across eastern India and facilitating trade with major ports such as Kolkata and Haldia. The project aims to modernise Bihar’s logistics infrastructure and bolster regional economic development.News source: Hindustan Times