04 projects including 03 Rail and 01 Road/Highway evaluated for alignment with integrated multimodal infrastructure and socio-economic benefits

The 99th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG), convened today to evaluate infrastructure projects of Road, Transport & Highways. The meeting focused on enhancing multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency in alignment with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS NMP).

The NPG evaluated 04 projects comprising 01 Road/Highway project of the Ministry of Road, Transport & Highways (MoRTH) and 03 Rail projects of the Ministry of Railways (MoR), including 02 Brownfield, 01 Greenfield, and 01 Greenfield + Brownfield projects. The evaluation was undertaken to ensure conformity to PM GatiShakti principles of integrated multimodal infrastructure, last-mile connectivity to economic and social nodes, and a ‘whole of Government’ approach. These initiatives are expected to boost logistics efficiency, reduce travel times, and deliver significant socio-economic benefits to the catchment areas of the projects. The meeting was chaired by Shri Pankaj Kumar, Joint Secretary, Logistics, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The evaluation and anticipated impacts of these projects are detailed below:

Ministry of Railways(MoR)

New Broad Gauge (BG) line from Baramulla to Uri: The Ministry of Railways has proposed the construction of a new 40.2 km railway line between Baramulla and Uri in Jammu & Kashmir, connecting five existing stations. The project will provide all-weather, reliable rail connectivity, addressing frequent disruptions faced by road travel during harsh weather. Uri, located near the Line of Control at Kaman Post, has already emerged as a border tourism destination. With the new railway line, tourism in the region is expected to receive a significant boost. The project also holds strategic importance, as Baramulla and Uri Tehsil house major Indian Army establishments and lie close to the border. The proposed railway line will include 3 Road Under Bridges (RUBs) and 9 Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and will be developed as a new single Broad-Gauge line, requiring fresh land acquisition.

Doubling of Qazigund to Badgam: The Ministry of Railways has proposed the doubling of the Qazigund–Badgam railway line, covering a 73.50 km stretch in Jammu & Kashmir. At present, the Qazigund–Baramulla line operates as a single track. With the commissioning of the Katra–Banihal section in 2025, the corridor will be fully integrated with the Indian Railways network, offering huge potential for passenger and freight traffic. The doubling project is of strategic importance, enabling seamless movement of military special trains carrying Army personnel, equipment, and supplies. Accordingly, it has been designated under the Hill & Strategic Corridor. Key highlights: (a) 10 stations (9 crossing stations and 1 halt), all existing in J&K, will be covered. (b) The new alignment will run parallel to the existing line. (c) Doubling will increase capacity, reduce delays, and strengthen connectivity across the Valley. The project will also boost tourism and local economic activity, while ensuring faster, safer, and reliable logistics for defence needs. The proposal marks another step towards building a resilient and strategically vital railway network in Jammu & Kashmir.

Proposed 3rd & 4th line between Ambala – Jalandhar : The Ministry of Railways has proposed the development of a 3rd line between Ludhiana–Jalandhar Cantt and a 4th line between Ambala Cantt–Sahnewal, covering 138 km on Broad Gauge (1676 mm). The alignment passes through key districts of Punjab (Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Ludhiana, Kapurthala, Jalandhar) and Ambala district in Haryana. The project will reduce travel time, ease congestion, and increase capacity for both passenger and freight trains. It will cover 21 stations including Ambala Cantt, Patiala, Ludhiana, Kapurthala, and Jalandhar, and include 44 Road Under Bridges (RUBs) and 1 Road Over Bridge (ROB) for safe and smooth operations. This section forms part of the Ambala–Ludhiana–Jalandhar–Amritsar corridor, which currently handles nearly 92 trains per direction per day. The additional lines will provide crucial capacity augmentation, benefitting agriculture, trade, tourism, and industry in the region. Strategically, the project holds exceptional importance for national security, as the corridor serves as the shortest and most vital rail link to Jammu & Kashmir, enabling faster movement of defence personnel, logistics, and supplies to border areas.

Ministry of Road, Transport & Highways (MoRTH)

Construction of 4-Lane Divided Carriageway from Khagaria to Purnia :The Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways has proposed the upgradation of the existing two-lane to a four-lane divided carriageway between Khagaria to Purnia in Bihar. The road will cover part of NH-31 (Km 270.0–384.200) and NH-231 (Km 384.200–410.0). NH-31 is one of India’s key highways, starting near Unnao in Uttar Pradesh and passing through major towns such as Varanasi, Ghazipur, Chhapra, Patna, Begusarai, Khagaria, Bhagalpur, and Katihar before ending in Pandua, West Bengal. This stretch will connect remote districts like Khagaria and Katihar in the Seemanchal region with Patna and other important urban centers, ensuring people in underdeveloped areas have better access to jobs, markets, healthcare, and services. It will help drive inclusive growth by linking marginalized communities with the state’s economic hubs. Project Highlights: 5 Major Bridges, 6 Minor Bridges, 4 Railway Crossings/ROBs, 2 Toll Plazas, 4 Truck Lay Bays. Connectivity Benefits: (a) Direct link to the Patna–Purnia Expressway (via NH-27).(b) Easy access to Khagaria, Bhagalpur, Katihar, and Purnia railway stations. (c) Better link to Purnia Airport (via NH-231 and NH-27). Once completed, the highway will provide faster, safer travel, reduce travel time, and improve the movement of goods and passengers. It is expected to become a key driver for regional trade, agriculture, tourism, and overall development in the Seemanchal region.