NPG evaluates Road and Railway Projects for integrated multimodal connectivity

Projects to enhance logistics efficiency, boost regional development

The 92nd meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) was convened in New Delhi to evaluate infrastructure projects in the Road and Railway sectors. The deliberations focused on enhancing multimodal connectivity and improving logistics efficiency, in line with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS NMP).

The NPG assessed four major proposals — one from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and three from the Ministry of Railways (MoR). These projects were evaluated for their alignment with the core principles of PM GatiShakti, including integrated multimodal infrastructure, last-mile connectivity, and a whole-of-government and whole-of-area development approach. These initiatives are expected to reduce travel time, enhance freight movement, and yield significant socio-economic gains across regions.

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)

1. Six/Four Lane Access-Controlled Highway – Rishikesh Bypass

The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), through NHAI, has proposed a bypass around Rishikesh to decongest the city and improve traffic movement on NH-34 — a key route connecting Delhi, Meerut, Roorkee, Haridwar, and Badrinath. This highway links key religious and industrial nodes, including Haridwar, Dehradun, BHEL, SIDCUL, and strategic border points like Mana, Nelang, and Niti. The project includes a 6/4-lane elevated corridor and an additional 4-lane road, offering alternative routes to manage future traffic and improve overall capacity.

Ministry of Railways (MoR)

2. Bina–Itarsi 4th Railway Line (236.97 km)

The MoR has proposed a 4th railway line between Bina and Itarsi, traversing key stations such as Narmadapuram, Rani Kamalapati, Bhopal, Nishatpura, and Vidisha. This alignment includes 32 stations and aims to improve freight operations. The project is expected to reduce transit time by approximately 46 minutes and increase sectional speed by 10 km/h, contributing to faster and more efficient rail logistics.

3. Kasara–Manmad Multi-Tracking Lines (3rd & 4th Lines, 2x130.817 km)

This project involves construction of 3rd and 4th railway lines across two sections: Kasara–Igatpuri in the Northeastern Ghats and Igatpuri–Manmad in the Deccan Plateau. The primary aim is to maintain a ruling gradient of 1 in 100, eliminating the requirement for banking engines and improving energy efficiency. The alignment bypasses several stations and merges with the existing line at Lahavit station, ensuring smoother freight movement.

4. Bhusawal–Wardha 3rd & 4th Railway Lines (314 km)

The proposed 314-km 3rd and 4th lines between Bhusawal and Wardha pass through five Maharashtra districts — Jalgaon, Buldhana, Akola, Amravati, and Wardha. The project includes new railway tracks, station upgrades, yard reconfiguration, and signaling improvements. As part of the Mumbai–Howrah high-density corridor (HDN-2), this route is critical for decongesting freight traffic and strengthening the Central Railway network.

The meeting was chaired by Joint Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Shri Pankaj Kumar.

Integrated multimodal connectivity advances transport projects to boost logistics efficiency and last mile connectivity nationwide. Under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, the Network Planning Group reviewed four transport projects to strengthen integrated multimodal infrastructure and last mile connectivity. The proposals comprise an elevated access controlled highway bypass at Rishikesh to decongest NH 34 and provide alternate routes; a fourth rail line on Bina-Itarsi to reduce transit time and increase sectional speed; 3rd/4th multi tracking on Kasara-Manmad to maintain ruling gradients and improve energy efficiency; and 3rd/4th lines between Bhusawal and Wardha with track, station, yard and signaling upgrades to decongest freight on a high density corridor.