Network Planning Group Reviews Infrastructure Projects in New Delhi

28 Mar 2026 CW Team

Delegates assessed two rail, metro and highway projects for conformity with integrated multimodal infrastructure principles and for their potential to improve access to key economic areas. Each project was reviewed for design integration, interchange facilities and linkages that facilitate smoother transfers between transport modes and reduce transit times for passengers and freight. Evaluation considered environmental clearances, land acquisition plans and integration with existing urban mobility schemes to ensure coherent delivery.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry indicated that these initiatives are expected to boost logistics efficiency, reduce travel times and deliver significant socio?economic benefits to the catchment areas of the projects. Officials noted potential reductions in operational bottlenecks and improvements in supply chain reliability that could support regional economic activity and better connect manufacturing and service hubs. Analyses included projected freight volumes and passenger demand to assess long term operational viability and return on investment.

Following the reviews, the group recommended further technical studies and coordination with state agencies to refine project scopes, timelines and funding frameworks. The adoption of integrated planning approaches under the GatiShakti framework was presented as central to future approvals and to ensuring that investments translated into measurable gains in connectivity and economic inclusion. Stakeholders were urged to expedite requisite clearances and to prioritise multimodal nodes that link production centres with markets and ports.

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade convened the 110th meeting of the Network Planning Group in New Delhi to evaluate proposed infrastructure projects and their alignment with the Prime Minister's GatiShakti National Master Plan. The agenda prioritised enhancements to multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency across regional transport networks with a focus on last?mile connectivity to economic and social nodes. The meeting brought together central and state officials, technical experts and stakeholders to review project designs and implementation roadmaps. Delegates assessed two rail, metro and highway projects for conformity with integrated multimodal infrastructure principles and for their potential to improve access to key economic areas. Each project was reviewed for design integration, interchange facilities and linkages that facilitate smoother transfers between transport modes and reduce transit times for passengers and freight. Evaluation considered environmental clearances, land acquisition plans and integration with existing urban mobility schemes to ensure coherent delivery. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry indicated that these initiatives are expected to boost logistics efficiency, reduce travel times and deliver significant socio?economic benefits to the catchment areas of the projects. Officials noted potential reductions in operational bottlenecks and improvements in supply chain reliability that could support regional economic activity and better connect manufacturing and service hubs. Analyses included projected freight volumes and passenger demand to assess long term operational viability and return on investment. Following the reviews, the group recommended further technical studies and coordination with state agencies to refine project scopes, timelines and funding frameworks. The adoption of integrated planning approaches under the GatiShakti framework was presented as central to future approvals and to ensuring that investments translated into measurable gains in connectivity and economic inclusion. Stakeholders were urged to expedite requisite clearances and to prioritise multimodal nodes that link production centres with markets and ports.

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