DPIIT reviews key infra projects in Karnataka, Kerala and Telangana

A high-level meeting was held to review critical issues affecting mega infrastructure projects in Karnataka, Kerala and Telangana.

Chaired by Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Amardeep Singh Bhatia, the meeting was attended by senior officials from central ministries, state governments, and project proponents.

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The deliberations focused on expediting issue resolution through enhanced inter-ministerial and state coordination facilitated by the Project Monitoring Group (PMG).

According to a statement from the Ministry of Commerce, stakeholders reviewed five issues in Karnataka across five projects with a combined cost of ₹3,658 crore. In Kerala, two issues involving projects worth ₹5,002 crore were examined, while in Telangana, six issues spanning three projects with a cumulative cost of ₹1,934 crore were discussed.

Among the key projects reviewed was the Trivandrum–Kanyakumari railway line doubling project, which spans Kerala and Tamil Nadu. With an estimated cost of ₹3,785 crore, the project aims to double the existing single-line track to reduce travel time, increase train frequency, and improve passenger and freight movement.

Once completed, it is expected to significantly strengthen regional connectivity, ease road congestion, and boost tourism and local economic activity.

The ministry highlighted that challenges related to land acquisition, environmental clearances, and localized resistance were discussed, and concerned authorities were advised to expedite resolutions to ensure timely execution and maximize socio-economic benefits.

The review also covered the 5G/4G network expansion initiative of Reliance Jio. Discussions with the Telangana government focused on the early resolution of pending forest and wildlife clearance matters.

The project aims to extend 5G connectivity to uncovered and remote regions across India while strengthening the 4G infrastructure. Once implemented, it will substantially improve digital connectivity nationwide, including in strategically sensitive and geographically remote areas, advancing the government’s vision of a digitally empowered India.