The 85th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG), evaluated five projects (2 railways and 3 projects of highway development) for their conformity to principles of PM GatiShakti NMP: integrated development of multimodal infrastructure, last-mile connectivity to economic and social nodes, intermodal connectivity, and synchronized 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 meeting was chaired by Joint Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Dr Surendra Ahirwar.

The evaluation and anticipated impacts of these projects are detailed below:

A. Projects of the Ministry of Railways (MoR)

Dangoaposi - Jaroli 3rd & 4th Line

The Dangoaposi-Jaroli project for constructing 85.88 km of 3rd and 4th Lines parallel to the existing corridor, spanning Jharkhand and Odisha. These lines will play a critical role in transporting iron ore from the mineral-rich Keonjhar region to industrial hubs and Paradip Port, ensuring seamless and efficient movement of bulk commodities like coal, gypsum, and fertilizers.
The project will enhance capacity, improve trade efficiency, and support the rapid evacuation of iron ore, contributing significantly to industrial growth in Eastern and Northern India.

Burhwal - Gonda Kacheri 4th Line

The Burhwal-Gonda Kacheri project involves a 55.75 km fourth rail line, complementing the existing double lines and ongoing third-line work. Located in Uttar Pradesh, the project enhances connectivity across Barabanki, Bahraich, and Gonda districts, improving both passenger and freight traffic.

With increased capacity, the line will streamline the movement of goods, including coal, cement, fertilizers, and steel, from key regions to the Northeast, boosting logistics efficiency and regional connectivity.

B. Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)

Barabanki-Bahraich

The Barabanki-Bahraich project focuses on upgrading 101.54 Km of NH-927 corridor to a 4-lane configuration with six-lane structures. This improved connectivity will link Lucknow, Shrawasti Airport, NH-27, and the India-Nepal border, facilitating trade and reducing travel times across Uttar Pradesh and Northern India. The project will unlock economic opportunities by supporting industries, tourism, and trade activities.

Kanpur Ring Road-Kabrai

The Kanpur-Kabrai Highway project will develop a 118.8 km 4-lane Greenfield highway with six-lane structures, connecting Kanpur Ring Road to Kabrai on NH-35. It integrates multimodal connectivity to seven railway stations and three airports, enhancing accessibility across Kanpur, Hamirpur, and Mahoba districts.

The project will boost industrial development, tourism, and regional integration, significantly contributing to Uttar Pradesh’s economic growth.

Singhana-Titanwar

The Singhana-Titanwar project proposes a 40.725 km 4-lane access-controlled Greenfield Highway along NH-311 in Rajasthan. By addressing the challenges of the existing single-to-intermediate lane road, the project will improve freight and passenger movement across Sikar, Nagaur, Jodhpur, and Delhi.

The project will facilitate smoother logistics, strengthen regional trade, and support economic development in Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi region.

Integrated multimodal infrastructure review ensures projects align with connectivity and synchronized implementation objectives. The Network Planning Group evaluated five transport projects for conformity with PM GatiShakti NMP principles-integrated multimodal infrastructure, last mile connectivity, intermodal connectivity, and synchronized implementation-covering two railway capacity augmentation lines and three highway upgrades/Greenfield highways. The projects aim to expedite bulk commodity movements, improve passenger and freight throughput, integrate airports and rail stations, reduce travel times, and strengthen regional trade and economic connectivity through coordinated multimodal implementation.