NHs to be expanded by 25,000 km under fresh connectivity push

The government’s new connectivity push under the GatiShakti National Masterplan aims to build 25,000 kms of national highways, 100 new cargo terminals, four logistics parks, eight ropeway projects, and help start 400 new Vande Bharat trains over the coming years, informed Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

The GatiShakti National Masterplan will help to track the planning and execution of infrastructure projects across over a dozen ministries for projects related to connectivity and logistics requirements of MSMEs, small farmers and the general public.

She said, “PM GatiShakti is a transformative approach for economic growth and sustainable development. The approach is driven by seven engines, namely, roads, railways, airports, ports, mass transport, waterways, and logistics infrastructure. These engines are supported by the complementary roles of energy transmission, IT communication, bulk water and sewerage, and social infrastructure. The approach is powered by Clean Energy and Sabka Prayas – the efforts of the Central government, the state governments, and the private sector together – leading to huge job and entrepreneurial opportunities for all, especially the youth.”