NPG evaluates Road, Railway and Metro Projects

The 90th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) convened today to evaluate infrastructure projects in the Road, Railway, and Metro sectors. The meeting focused on enhancing multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency in alignment with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS NMP).

The NPG evaluated five projects (two Road, two Railway, and one Metro) for their conformity to the PM GatiShakti principles of integrated multimodal infrastructure, last-mile connectivity to economic and social nodes, and intermodal coordination. These initiatives are expected to boost logistics efficiency, reduce travel times, and deliver significant socio-economic benefits across regions. The evaluation and anticipated impacts of these projects are detailed below:

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)

Upgradation to 2/4-lane with paved shoulder configuration of NH-165 from Aakiveedu to Digamarru

The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) proposes the upgradation of NH-165 from Aakiveedu to Digamarru in Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari district. The project aims to enhance interconnectivity by upgrading the existing road to a 2/4-lane paved shoulder configuration, improving connectivity between NH-216 and NH-65.

The enhanced highway is expected to alleviate congestion on existing roads by providing an alternative corridor for commercial traffic, reducing urban congestion, and improving road safety.

Upgradation of NH-754K single lane/2-lane to 2-lane with paved shoulder from Lakhpat to Santalpur

The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) is undertaking the upgradation of NH-754K from a single/2-lane road to a 2-lane configuration with paved shoulders in Gujarat's Kachchh and Patan districts. The project includes both brownfield improvements and greenfield bypass/realignment sections to optimize connectivity. The improved corridor will play a crucial role in enhancing regional connectivity by linking NH-341 and facilitating better access to Bhuj Railway Station and New Bhuj Airport.

Ministry of Railways (MoR)

Construction of new BG railway lines between Jajpur–Keonjhar Road to Dhamara Port

The Ministry of Railways, through the East Coast Railway, proposes the construction of a 101.26 km-long Broad Gauge (BG) railway line from Jajpur-Keonjhar Road to Dhamara Port via Aradi under the Khurda Division. This greenfield project aims to enhance freight movement and passenger connectivity in Odisha’s Jajpur and Bhadrak districts. The railway line will provide a direct link between industrial clusters, coal fields, and Dhamara Port.

Furkating–New Tinsukia doubling in connection with Lumding–Tinsukia–Dibrugarh doubling project

The Ministry of Railways proposes the doubling of the Furkating–New Tinsukia railway section, covering 193.89 km in Assam as part of the larger Lumding–Tinsukia–Dibrugarh Doubling Project. This brownfield project aims to enhance railway capacity, improve freight and passenger movement, and support economic development in Golaghat, Jorhat, Sivasagar, Dibrugarh, and Tinsukia districts.

Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)

Metro Rail Corridor from Noida Sector 142 to Botanical Garden (Noida)

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) proposes the extension of the Noida Metro Rail Corridor from Sector 142 to Botanical Garden, covering 11.56 km. This brownfield project aims to enhance urban mobility in Noida and Greater Noida, reducing congestion on roads and improving public transport accessibility. The corridor will serve as a crucial link between Noida Metro Rail Corporation's (NMRC) Aqua Line and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation's (DMRC) Blue Line at Botanical Garden, offering seamless integration for commuters.

These infrastructure projects, aligned with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, will significantly enhance connectivity, improve logistics, and contribute to regional and national economic growth. The meeting was chaired by Joint Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) Shri Pankaj Kumar.

Integrated multimodal connectivity evaluated to align infrastructure projects with PM GatiShakti principles, enhancing logistics and mobility. The Network Planning Group assessed five projects for conformity with PM GatiShakti principles, focusing on integrated multimodal infrastructure, last mile connectivity to economic and social nodes, and intermodal coordination to enhance logistics efficiency and urban mobility. The package included two road upgrades to improve regional links and access to hubs, two railway works comprising a greenfield port link and a brownfield doubling to augment capacity, and a brownfield metro extension to integrate urban transit lines.