The 89th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG), chaired by Joint Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Shri Pankaj Kumar, convened to evaluate key infrastructure projects across the Road, Railway, and Metro sectors. The discussions centred on improving multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency in alignment with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS NMP).

The NPG assessed eight projects—four in the Road sector, three in Railways, and one Metro initiative—ensuring their adherence to PM GatiShakti’s principles of integrated infrastructure planning, last-mile connectivity, and intermodal coordination. These projects are expected to enhance logistical efficiency, reduce travel times, and generate socio-economic benefits across various regions.

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) Key projects under MoRTH include the upgrade of the Darugiri to Dalu section of NH-62 in Meghalaya into a two-lane highway with paved shoulders, significantly improving regional connectivity. Another transformative project is India’s first-ever under-river road tunnel beneath the Brahmaputra, reducing travel time from 6.5 hours to just 30 minutes. Additionally, the widening of the Kaliabor-Numaligarh highway in Assam will feature wildlife-friendly measures to protect Kaziranga National Park. Rajasthan’s Mayjilar-Jaisalmer highway upgrade will boost tourism, defence movement, and road safety.

Ministry of Railways (MoR) Railway projects reviewed include the expansion of the Badlapur-Karjat corridor to decongest Mumbai’s commuter and freight networks. In Odisha, the construction of a fourth railway line from Nergundi to Cuttack, including a flyover, and the doubling of the Haridaspur-Paradip railway line aim to enhance freight movement, particularly for coal and port logistics.

Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) The Rajkot Metro Rail Project, a greenfield urban transit initiative covering 41.11 km, is set to reduce congestion and promote sustainable urban mobility. Integrated with regional rail, city bus services, and public transport options, it will ensure seamless connectivity in Rajkot, Gujarat.

These ambitious infrastructure projects, aligned with PM GatiShakti’s vision, are set to drive economic growth, enhance regional connectivity, and streamline India’s multimodal transport network.