Gujarat, Rajasthan Projects Worth 36,296 Crore Reviewed; Focus on Solar Transmission & 5G Rollout
New Delhi: A total of 22 issues impacting 18 critical infrastructure projects with a cumulative investment exceeding ₹36,296 crore in Gujarat and Rajasthan were reviewed during a high-level meeting convened on July 3. The meeting was held under the Project Monitoring Group (PMG) mechanism, a specialized initiative under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), which serves as an institutional platform to identify and resolve bottlenecks that impede the timely implementation of infrastructure projects across the country.
The PMG plays a vital role in facilitating smoother coordination between the central government, state governments, and private sector stakeholders. By bringing all parties to the table, it aims to unlock stalled investments, speed up execution timelines, and ensure the nation’s ambitious infrastructure and connectivity goals are met.
Transmission System Boosts Renewable Integration in Gujarat
Among the significant initiatives reviewed during the meeting was the Transmission System Strengthening Scheme, an ambitious plan designed to evacuate power from solar energy zones located in both Gujarat and Rajasthan. This large-scale scheme carries an investment value of ₹14,147 crore and is considered a key project in India’s broader renewable energy ambitions.
The primary objective of the scheme is to integrate renewable power into the national grid through high-capacity transmission systems. This is critical for ensuring that power generated from solar-rich regions reaches areas where demand is highest, thereby balancing the power supply across the country.
In Rajasthan, the scheme encompasses prominent solar zones situated in Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Barmer districts. Meanwhile, in Gujarat, the focus areas include Surendranagar, Patan, and the strategically significant Kutch district, which has emerged as a hub for renewable energy development due to its abundant solar and wind resources. The transmission infrastructure planned under this project involves the establishment of new substations, as well as the construction of extensive high-voltage transmission lines that will facilitate the evacuation of solar power from energy-rich zones to consumption centres across various states.
Gujarat Faces Challenges in Land Acquisition and Right-of-Way
Despite the enormous potential and significance of these projects, the meeting highlighted persistent challenges, particularly those related to land acquisition and right-of-way (RoW) permissions. These two factors continue to be primary obstacles that delay the execution of large infrastructure projects, not only in Gujarat but nationwide.
Officials noted that acquiring land for substations, laying transmission lines, and securing clearances for related civil works often involves lengthy negotiations with local stakeholders, private landowners, and various government departments. This can lead to project delays, cost overruns, and under-utilization of installed infrastructure capacity.
Recognizing these challenges, the PMG emphasized the need for proactive engagement by state authorities in Gujarat and Rajasthan. State governments were urged to streamline administrative procedures, expedite the grant of necessary permissions, and facilitate early resolution of disputes.
Gujarat’s Role Highlighted in 5G Expansion Plans
Another crucial project reviewed during the session was the 5G/4G network expansion initiative spearheaded by Reliance Jio. This project, recognized as one of national importance, seeks to enhance digital connectivity across the country, including in uncovered and remote regions where high-speed mobile internet services remain inadequate.
The initiative aims not only to roll out 5G services in urban centres but also to improve the quality and reach of the existing 4G network, ensuring that digital infrastructure becomes accessible to a broader section of the population. For Gujarat, this project holds particular significance, given the state’s rapidly growing industrial hubs, urban expansion, and emerging smart cities, all of which require robust digital connectivity to support economic growth and technological advancements.
During the meeting, officials discussed pending issues such as forest clearances and other regulatory hurdles, especially in specific zones of Gujarat and Rajasthan. The DPIIT highlighted the importance of timely resolution of such issues to avoid potential delays in the network rollout and ensure seamless technological upgrades across the regions.
Government Calls for Greater Coordination in Gujarat and Rajasthan
Chairing the high-level review meeting, Praveen Mahto, Principal Economic Adviser in the DPIIT, reiterated the central government’s commitment to strengthening institutional mechanisms like the PMG. He emphasized the necessity of close coordination among Central Ministries, State Governments—including those of Gujarat and Rajasthan—and private sector stakeholders to ensure that infrastructure projects do not face unnecessary delays.
Mahto urged private project proponents to actively utilize the PMG platform (https://pmg.dpiit.gov.in/) for seeking assistance in resolving issues affecting project implementation. He stressed that a collaborative and transparent approach is vital to fast-tracking approvals and mitigating risks that might hamper investment flows or project timelines.
The review meeting was attended by senior officials from Central Ministries, the Governments of Gujarat and Rajasthan, and representatives from key project developers involved in sectors such as power, telecommunications, and other critical infrastructure domains. The discussions underscored a coordinated, solution-driven approach aimed at clearing hurdles that could otherwise obstruct the progress of projects deemed of strategic and economic significance for both states and the nation as a whole.
As India continues its push for rapid infrastructure development, Gujarat remains a crucial player, contributing significantly to the country’s renewable energy goals and digital connectivity initiatives. The outcomes of the review meeting reflect the government’s resolve to address challenges proactively and ensure the timely execution of vital projects that have the potential to transform the region’s economic landscape.
