The Network Planning Group (NPG) on Friday convened for its 89th meeting led by Pankaj Kumar, Joint Secretary at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), to assess critical infrastructure projects across the road, railway, and metro sectors. The discussions focused on enhancing multimodal connectivity and streamlining logistics, in line with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS NMP).
A total of eight projects were reviewed, comprising four road developments, three railway expansions, and one metro initiative. Each project was evaluated for its alignment with PM GatiShakti’s core principles—integrated multimodal infrastructure, last-mile connectivity, and intermodal coordination. These projects are expected to reduce travel time, improve logistics efficiency, and drive socio-economic growth across multiple regions.
Major Road Infrastructure Projects
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) presented several key proposals, including the upgradation of the Darugiri to Dalu section of National Highway 62 (New NH-217) in Meghalaya. The project, covering 136.11 km across East, South, and West Garo Hills, aims to enhance regional connectivity and support cross-border trade.
Another ambitious plan under review is India’s first road tunnel beneath a major river. The proposed four-lane tunnel under the Brahmaputra will link Gohpur and Numaligarh, reducing travel time from 6.5 hours to just 30 minutes by cutting the journey from 240 km to 34 km. This twin-tube, unidirectional underwater tunnel is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Assam and the northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur.
Infrastructure development in Assam also includes the widening of the Kaliabor-Numaligarh section of NH-37/NH-715 to four lanes. Spanning 85.67 km across Nagaon, Karbi Anglong, and Golaghat districts, the project features wildlife-friendly measures such as an elevated corridor and designated crossings to protect Kaziranga National Park’s biodiversity.
In Rajasthan, the Mayjilar to Jaisalmer highway is set for expansion, including the construction of a Jaisalmer Bypass Link Road. Covering 138.177 km along NH-11 and NH-70, this development will improve connectivity, promote tourism, enhance road safety, and facilitate defense movement.
Railway Expansion to Ease Congestion and Boost Freight Transport
The Ministry of Railways (MoR) presented several projects aimed at easing congestion and enhancing freight movement. The Badlapur-Karjat third and fourth line expansion, covering 32.46 km, is set to decongest the Mumbai-Pune-Solapur-Wadi-Chennai corridor, improving connectivity for both commuters and freight transit.
In Odisha, the Nergundi to Cuttack railway expansion will include the construction of a fourth railway line and a flyover at Nergundi. The 15.99 km-long project will strengthen a vital transport corridor serving Paradip Port, Talcher coalfields, and major steel and power industries.
Additionally, the doubling of the Haridaspur-Paradip railway line is expected to enhance coal transportation from the Talcher coalfields to Paradip Port. The 74.09 km-long project will play a crucial role in boosting freight capacity and supporting industrial expansion in the Angul-Jharsuguda region.
Urban Mobility: Rajkot Metro Project
In the urban transport sector, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) reviewed the Rajkot Metro Rail Project, a greenfield initiative aimed at providing a modern and sustainable transit system in Gujarat’s Rajkot city. Covering 41.11 km, the metro system will integrate with existing urban infrastructure, facilitating seamless multimodal connectivity with regional rail, city buses, and other public transport options such as autos and cycle rickshaws.
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