In a focused effort to accelerate infrastructure development across key regions of India, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) conducted a high-level review of ongoing mega projects in five states—Jharkhand, Sikkim, Nagaland, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh.
Chaired by Secretary Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, the meeting held on June 24, 2025, brought together top officials from central ministries, state governments, and project proponents to address implementation bottlenecks and improve coordination through the Project Monitoring Group (PMG) mechanism.
Widespread Project Review Across Five States
The review encompassed a broad set of infrastructure initiatives facing operational or administrative hurdles. Jharkhand saw the highest number of cases discussed, with 18 issues across 11 projects valued at over ₹34,213 crore. In Sikkim, two projects totaling ₹943.04 crore were reviewed for two identified concerns.
Nagaland presented three issues across two projects worth ₹544.65 crore, while Assam had a single major project with one key issue involving a total cost of ₹6,700 crore. Arunachal Pradesh had seven issues spread over three projects—including a private sector venture—collectively worth ₹33,469 crore.
Major Focus on Jharkhand’s Patratu Thermal Power Expansion
One of the most prominent discussions centered on the Patratu Thermal Power Station Expansion Project Phase-I in Jharkhand. Being developed jointly by NTPC and Patratu Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (PUVNL), this brownfield expansion aims to deliver 2,400 MW of power in its first phase, as part of a larger 4,000 MW target.
Using advanced supercritical technology, the project promises better fuel efficiency and lower emissions. The facility will source water from the Nalkari Dam, and coal supplies are secured from NTPC’s captive mines.
The project may help to meet the growing power demands.
Dibang Hydropower Project for Arunachal Pradesh
Another headline project under review was the Dibang Hydropower Project in Arunachal Pradesh. Developed by NHPC, this 2,880 MW project will include India’s tallest dam and aims to generate over 11,000 million units of clean energy each year.
Scheduled for completion by February 2032, it is a key component of India’s push towards Net Zero emissions. The project will also contribute to flood control in the region and allocate 13% of its generated power to the state for free.
Nagaland’s Kohima Bypass Road to Improve Connectivity
In Nagaland, the Kohima Bypass Road project—spearheaded by NHIDCL under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways—was assessed for progress. Designed to reduce traffic congestion in Kohima, the bypass will enhance inter- and intra-state connectivity, promote trade, boost tourism, and enable smoother transit through the Northeast’s challenging terrain.
GeoEnpro Petroleum Project in Arunachal Pradesh
The meeting also included a review of a ₹1,000 crore private sector investment by GeoEnpro Petroleum Limited in Arunachal Pradesh. The DPIIT Secretary urged the state government to prioritize the resolution of outstanding issues related to the project and offer full support to ensure its timely execution.
The importance of fostering a business-friendly environment and enhancing Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) was underscored as a means of boosting investor confidence in the region.
Strengthening the Role of Project Monitoring Group
Secretary Bhatia emphasized the need to reinforce institutional mechanisms for faster project resolution. He encouraged stakeholders—particularly private sector players—to actively utilize the PMG portal (https://pmg.dpiit.gov.in/) for tracking and addressing project-related concerns.
The platform, designed for seamless collaboration between central and state authorities, remains critical for unlocking investments and accelerating infrastructure outcomes.
Also Read – AI-171 Crash investigation – here’s what we know upto this moment
Adapted from a press source at PIB INDIA
Leave a Reply