Secretary DPIIT Leads Review Meeting on Mega Infrastructure Projects in Jharkhand
Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, led a crucial meeting on June 24, 2025, to address significant challenges facing mega infrastructure projects in the northeastern states of India, including Jharkhand, Sikkim, Nagaland, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh. The gathering brought together senior officials from central ministries, state governments, and project proponents, aiming to enhance coordination and expedite the resolution of issues through the Project Monitoring Group (PMG). A total of 18 issues across 11 major projects were discussed, with a combined investment exceeding INR 34,213 crores.
Review of Key Projects in Jharkhand and Beyond
During the meeting, officials reviewed a range of projects across the five states. In Jharkhand, 18 issues related to 11 significant projects were examined, with a total investment of over INR 34,213 crores. Sikkim had two projects under review, costing INR 943.04 crores, while Nagaland’s discussions focused on three issues across two projects valued at INR 544.65 crores. Assam’s single project, with one issue, is estimated at INR 6,700 crores. In Arunachal Pradesh, seven issues were reviewed, including a private project, with a total cost of INR 33,469 crores. This comprehensive review underscores the government’s commitment to addressing infrastructure challenges in these states.
Focus on Major Infrastructure Developments
One of the key projects discussed was the Patratu Thermal Power Station Expansion Project Phase-I in Jharkhand. This initiative, managed by the Ministry of Power through the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and Patratu Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (PUVNL), aims to expand the existing thermal power station’s capacity to 4,000 MW in phases. Phase I will include three units of 800 MW each, totaling 2,400 MW. The project utilizes supercritical technology, which enhances efficiency and reduces emissions. Water for the plant will be sourced from the nearby Nalkari Dam, and coal supply has been secured through NTPC’s captive coal blocks.
In Arunachal Pradesh, the 2,880 MW Dibang Hydropower Project is set to become a landmark development, featuring India’s tallest dam. This project, developed by NHPC under the Ministry of Power, is expected to generate 11,223 million units of clean energy annually and is scheduled for commissioning by February 2032. It will also contribute to flood control and provide 13% free power to the state, aligning with national Net Zero goals.
Infrastructure Improvements in Nagaland
The Kohima Bypass Road in Nagaland was another significant topic of discussion. Developed by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), this project aims to alleviate congestion in Kohima city. It will enhance intra- and inter-state connectivity, promoting trade, tourism, and regional integration. These infrastructure projects are vital for the socio-economic development of the Northeast, particularly given the region’s challenging terrain.
Encouraging Private Sector Participation
The meeting also addressed a private sector project by GeoEnpro Petroleum Limited in Arunachal Pradesh, valued at INR 1,000 crores. The DPIIT Secretary urged the state government to prioritize this project and provide necessary support to ensure timely resolution of related issues. He emphasized the importance of adopting proactive measures to enhance the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) in the state, fostering a favorable investment climate. The Secretary reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening the institutional framework for project monitoring and encouraged private proponents to utilize the PMG’s specialized mechanisms to expedite project implementation and resolve concerns efficiently.
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