05 projects including 02 Rail and 02 Road/Highway 01 Metro Rail Project of MoHUA evaluated for alignment with integrated multimodal infrastructure and socio-economic benefits

The 100^th  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 05 projects in which 02 Road/Highway projects of MoRTH, 02 Rail projects and 01 Metro Rail Project of MoHUA for their conformity to the PM GatiShakti principles of integrated multimodal infrastructure, last-mile connectivity to economic and social nodes and ‘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 project. The evaluation and anticipated impacts of these projects are detailed below:

Ministry of Railways(MoR)

Quadrupling between Hosapete and Ballari (Karnataka): The Ministry of Railways has proposed the construction of a 65 km quadruple railway line between Hosapete and Ballari in Karnataka. This initiative targets one of the state’s most industrialized and mineral-rich corridors, aiming to decongest existing routes, enhance freight capacity, and support the rapid economic growth of the Hosapete–Ballari industrial belt. Strategic Importance. The Hosapete–Ballari region is a critical hub for mining, steel production, power generation, and cement manufacturing. The existing double line has been operating near saturation due to heavy movement of bulk commodities such as:Iron ore – feeding Steel plants in Toranagallu and Ballari, Coal – for Thermal power generation and industrial usage, Steel & Cement – from industrial clusters to domestic and export markets. Quadrupling will not only ease congestion but also create additional capacity to accommodate the anticipated surge in both freight and passenger traffic, making the corridor more reliable and efficient.

Doubling from Gondia to Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh &Maharashtra): The Ministry of Railways has proposed the doubling of the Gondia–Jabalpur railway line, covering a length of 230.5 kilometres across the states of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. This critical rail infrastructure project has been envisioned to augment line capacity, ease congestion on the existing single-line corridor, and improve both passenger and freight movement in one of Central India’s most strategically significant regions. Geographic Coverage. The alignment of the proposed project passes through five districts: Maharashtra: Gondia, Madhya Pradesh: Balaghat, Mandla, Seoni, and Jabalpur. This alignment connects key agricultural, mining, and industrial zones, strengthening the Gondia–Jabalpur section as an economic and logistic lifeline.  A projected increase in both freight and passenger movement, with significant growth in coal, steel, cement, and other goods traffic along the Balharshah–Gondia–Jabalpur corridor. The existing single-line section often faces bottlenecks, resulting in slower operations, longer turnaround times, and delays in freight handling.The corridor serves as a vital link between eastern and central India, supporting industries, agriculture, and mineral-rich regions.

Ministry of Road, Transport & Highways (MoRTH)

Widening of the 4-Lane Mahwa to Mandawar Section (Rajasthan): The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has announced a significant proposal for the widening and upgradation of the Mahwa–Mandawar stretch of National Highway 921 in Rajasthan. At present, this section functions as a 4-lane highway, but with steadily increasing vehicular traffic and the region’s growing role as a trade and transit corridor, it has become essential to expand its capacity. Under the proposal, the highway will be upgraded and widened across a total length of 50.246 kilometers, ensuring it can accommodate current demands as well as future growth in passenger and freight movement.

Once completed, the improved Mahwa–Mandawar stretch will serve as a key link between Rajasthan, Delhi NCR, and Haryana, offering seamless connectivity across state borders. The enhanced highway will help reduce travel time, cut down on congestion, and improve road safety for commuters. For businesses and industries operating in the region, faster movement of goods will lower logistics costs, boost efficiency, and stimulate trade opportunities.

In addition, the project is expected to generate employment during its construction phase and contribute to long-term social and economic benefits, particularly for communities living along the corridor. Improved access to markets, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities will support inclusive regional growth, making the benefits of national infrastructure development more widely shared.

Overall, the proposed widening of NH-921 represents a strategic investment in Rajasthan’s transport network, underscoring the government’s commitment to building resilient, future-ready infrastructure that supports both regional aspirations and national economic progress.

Construction of  six-lane elevated road along with Six lanes at Grade with a service road in Anisabad- Deedargunj (Bihar).The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed the development of a six-lane elevated corridor, along with six lanes at grade and a dedicated service road, between Anisabad and Deedarganj in Bihar, covering a stretch of 13.37 kilometers. This strategic infrastructure upgrade is designed to address growing traffic volumes, ease congestion, and provide a faster and safer travel experience along this critical urban corridor.

Traffic Management Structures. 4 Light Vehicular Underpasses (LVUPs) to facilitate local traffic movement without affecting corridor flow, 91 intersections redesigned for better access control and efficiency, 8 grade separators to minimize traffic conflict points and ensure uninterrupted mobility

Service Road Network. A continuous service road alongside the main corridor to cater to local traffic, improving safety while reducing encroachment and congestion on the main carriageway

Strategic Importance. Given the location of Anisabad and Deedarganj within the Patna Metropolitan region, the project will play a crucial role in:The project will play a vital role in supporting regional trade corridors linking Bihar to neighboring states, while also facilitating the growth of economic hubs by providing improved access to markets, industrial clusters, and logistic centers. At the same time, it is expected to enhance the overall quality of life by reducing traffic stress, introducing stronger safety measures, and ensuring reliable infrastructure that can sustain future growth and development.

Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs(MoHUA)

Jaipur Metro Phase 2 from Prahladpura to Todi Mod (Rajasthan). The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has proposed the development of Jaipur Metro Phase 2, a 42.8 km North–South corridor from Prahladpura to Todi Mod. The project will include 36 stations—34 elevated and 2 underground—covering important locations such as Haldi Ghati Gate, Sitapura Industrial Area, SMS Hospital, Ambabari, and Vidhyadhar Nagar.

The alignment along Tonk Road and the Sitapura Industrial Area will strengthen connectivity to Jaipur’s key growth zones.

The corridor will link with the operational East–West line at Chandpole Station and through a foot-over bridge at Jaipur Junction Metro Station, improving access to the railway stations and the airport. This is expected to ease traffic congestion, reduce vehicle use, cut down pollution, and lower fuel consumption.

The project will also serve nearby satellite towns. Todi Mod Station will cater to commuters from Chomu, while the proposed Prahladpura Station, located near the Ring Road, will benefit passengers from Chaksu. The project supports the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) strategy as envisaged in the Jaipur Master Development Plan, facilitating higher-density, mixed-use developments around metro stations without straining the existing civic infrastructure. The meeting was chaired by Shri Pankaj Kumar, Joint Secretary, Logistics, Department for Promotion of Industry, and Internal Trade (DPIIT),