The 83^rd meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG), chaired by Additional Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Sh. Rajeev Singh Thakur, convened today to evaluate significant infrastructure projects across India. Representatives from project proponents, Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG-N), and nodal officers from respective States participated, focusing on enhancing multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency in alignment with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS NMP).

The NPG evaluated all eight projects based on the principles of PM GatiShakti: integrated development of multimodal infrastructure, last-mile connectivity to economic and social nodes, intermodal connectivity, and synchronised project implementation. These projects are anticipated to play pivotal roles in national development by boosting logistical efficiency, reducing travel times, and delivering substantial socio-economic benefits to the regions they serve.

Upon completion, these projects are expected to significantly contribute to India's infrastructure landscape, ensuring that the advantages of seamless connectivity extend to every region. By strengthening multimodal transport systems and addressing critical infrastructure gaps, these initiatives align with the Government's vision for integrated and sustainable development. The evaluation and anticipated impacts of these projects are detailed below:

A. Projects of the Ministry of Railways (MoR)

1. Wardha - Balharshah 4th Line

This 134.52 km Brownfield project addresses critical congestion on the Delhi-Chennai High-Density Corridor passing through Wardha and Chandrapur districts in Maharashtra. The region is home to key industrial hubs, including the Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station and Ballarpur Paper Mills, and serves coal belts operated by Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) in Chandrapur.

The proposed 4^th line, parallel to the under-construction 3^rd line, would help to alleviate over 152%-line utilisation, ensuring seamless freight movement for coal, steel, and cement industries. Enhanced connectivity with Nagpur and ports on the eastern and western coasts is expected to strengthen supply chains and contribute to economic development in the Vidarbha region.

2. Itarsi - Nagpur Quadrupling

This Brownfield project involves the construction of a 4^th rail line along the 297.05 km Itarsi-Nagpur corridor, a key segment of the High-Density Network Route. Connecting Narmada Puram, Betul, and Nagpur districts, it is anticipated to serve industrial hubs like Multi-Model International Passenger and Cargo Hub Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN), power plants at Sarni and Koradi, and emerging clusters in Pithampur.

With oversaturation of existing lines and growing freight demands, the project, as assessed, is likely to help alleviate congestion, reduce transit times, and enhance logistics efficiency. Featuring tunnels, wildlife crossings, and improved connectivity, it is expected to align with PM GatiShakti and contribute to regional economic growth.

3. Gondia - Balharshah Doubling

Spanning approximately 240 km through Gondia, Bhandara, Gadchiroli, and Chandrapur districts, this doubling project is anticipated to support freight movement for key industrial regions. The route links major iron-ore mines in Kelzar and coalfields in Chandrapur, enabling smoother transport to industries in the South Central and South Eastern Railway zones. It is also expected to benefit power plants like Koradi and industries in Nagpur’s MIHAN SEZ.

The project is likely to reduce freight congestion on the existing line, which is currently operating at 125% utilisation, by offering an alternate, shorter route for North-South freight traffic. By enhancing logistical efficiency, it is expected to strengthen connections between industrial clusters and major ports, supporting regional and national economic integration.

4. Aluabari - New Jalpaiguri Quadrupling

This 56.60 km quadrupling project seeks to enhance rail connectivity in North Bengal and Bihar, linking New Jalpaiguri and Aluabari Road. The corridor is anticipated to support passenger and freight movement, critical for transporting agricultural produce, cement, and industrial goods. The alignment includes robust infrastructure, such as 8 major and 91 minor bridges, designed for efficient and reliable operations in challenging terrain.

As a gateway to neighbouring countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, the project is expected to reduce travel time, boost regional trade, and promote economic integration. By addressing the increasing demand for seamless transportation, it is likely to support socio-economic development in the Northeast and improve multimodal connectivity under the PM GatiShakti framework.

5. Ballari - Chikjajur Doubling

The 185 km doubling project aims to connect Ballari, Chitradurga, and Anantapur districts, facilitating the movement of iron ore, coal, cement, and food grains. It is expected to support industrial hubs like Jindal Steel, which is planning to expand production to 24 MTPA, while addressing freight demands linked to southern ports. The project is anticipated to alleviate line saturation, improving efficiency in freight movement and enhancing rail capacity.

By connecting remote areas to national infrastructure, the project is likely to promote socio-economic growth and attract investments in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It is also expected to create employment during construction and operation, lower transportation costs for industries, and strengthen integration within India’s multimodal logistics network.

6. Hosur - Omalur Doubling

This 147 km rail line doubling project aims to connect the agro-industrial region of Hosur with the commercial hub of Salem in Tamil Nadu. The route is expected to support critical sectors such as cement manufacturing, agro-processing, and automobile logistics, while maintaining strong linkages to Bangalore’s electronics and IT corridor.

By enhancing multimodal connectivity, the project is likely to link industrial hubs like the Salem Steel Plant, TNPL, and surrounding SEZs with Bangalore and Salem airports. It is anticipated to address capacity constraints, improve freight efficiency, support tourism, and foster broader regional economic integration.

7. Secunderabad - Wadi Quadrupling

The 173.18 km project aims to construct 3^rd and 4^th lines between Secunderabad and Wadi, a critical freight and passenger corridor in South Central India. It is expected to serve industrial hubs such as Tandur (cement), Sedam, and Nagulapalli (steel), facilitating the movement of coal, cement, and food grains. With current utilisation exceeding 114%, the project is anticipated to alleviate congestion, enhance reliability, and support freight growth for industries across Telangana and Karnataka.

By improving connectivity to major ports and urban centers, the quadrupling is likely to reduce transit delays and accommodate future traffic demands. By easing pressure on existing infrastructure, the project aligns with PM GatiShakti principles, potentially fostering regional economic growth, enhancing passenger convenience, and supporting socio-economic development.

B. Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)

1. Imphal - Kakching - Lamkhai Road on NH-137A

This 44.517 km road improvement project aims to connect Imphal, the state capital, with Kakching, an emerging agricultural and trade hub. Strategically located within Manipur’s Indo-Myanmar corridor, the project is expected to enhance access to the Moreh border trade point and integrate with the Asian Highway Network.

The upgraded NH-137A is anticipated to reduce travel time, support the movement of agricultural produce, and improve connectivity to Loktak Lake, a major tourist destination. By strengthening socio-economic linkages, the project is likely to boost small-scale industries, facilitate trade, and create opportunities for cross-border commerce.

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AD/CNAN