A panel of ministers recently reviewed five key infrastructure projects under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, launched in 2021 to enhance multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency across economic zones. The review included projects from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Tripura. The meeting was led by E Srinivas, joint secretary at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the nodal agency overseeing the initiative. One of the major projects assessed was the second phase of the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport in Ayodhya. The expansion aims to increase passenger capacity to 4,000 during peak hours and handle six million passengers annually by 2046-47, up from the current one million annual capacity. The project includes the construction of a new integrated terminal building, runway extension, additional parking bays, multi-level parking, a fire station, an air traffic control tower, and improved city-side access. The panel also evaluated the Delhi-Panipat-Karnal Namo Bharat Project (RRTS Corridor), designed to reduce travel time between Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi and Karnal in Haryana to 90 minutes from the existing 3.5-4 hours. This corridor will enhance connectivity to key economic hubs such as Rajiv Gandhi Education City, Barhi Industrial Area, Panipat's industrial zone, and Karnal. The RRTS line will integrate with Delhi Metro stations at Sarai Kale Khan, Indraprastha, Kashmere Gate, Burari Crossing, and Kundli, along with major interstate bus terminals and the Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station. The Pune Metro Line 4, spanning Kharadi to Khadakwasla with a spur line from Nal Stop to Warje-Manik Baug, was also discussed. The project is in the initial stages and aims to improve urban transit in Pune. In Telangana, the brownfield four-laning of the NH-167 section from Gudebellur to Hasnapur/Potulamadugu was reviewed. The 90.37 km stretch, part of the Hyderabad-Panaji Economic Corridor, will involve upgrading and realigning existing routes with bypasses around major towns to facilitate better inter-state connectivity between Hyderabad and Raichur. Additionally, the panel examined the project for widening NH-08 in Tripura, focusing on the Mungiakami to Champaknagar segment. This initiative will decongest urban areas, improve connectivity between West Tripura and Khowai districts, and integrate key economic and social nodes for regional development. Regular reviews like these help identify and address potential challenges to ensure timely project completion, contributing to more efficient and integrated infrastructure development across the country. News source: Hindustan Times