Rail Infrastructure Proposals Reviewed to Strengthen Integrated and Efficient Logistics Network

The 104th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) was convened today to review infrastructure proposals, with a focus on strengthening multimodal connectivity and improving logistics efficiency in line with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS NMP).

The NPG evaluated 05 Rail projects 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:

A brief description of the projects is given below:

Proposed 3rd and 4th line Gummidipundi and Gudur (Andhra Pradesh): The Ministry of Railways has proposed the development of a third and fourth railway line over 89.96 km between Gummidipundi (GPD) and Gudur (GDR), passing through Tiruvallur District in Tamil Nadu and Tirupati District in Andhra Pradesh. The project aligns with an existing transport network supported by strong road connectivity to major industrial hubs, enabling seamless multimodal freight movement.

The new railway lines will significantly enhance logistics for key sectors including fertilizers, POL, containerized cargo, power plants and cement industries, supporting both inbound raw materials and outbound finished goods. The corridor is projected to handle 25.07 MTPA, facilitated by diversion of freight traffic to the newly sanctioned Gummidipundi – Sullurupeta – Gudur multi-tracking section on the Chennai–Gudur route.

The project will strengthen freight capacity, improve supply chain efficiency and support growing trade movements through Chennai Port.

Proposal to improve financial and operational health of Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) - 3rd Financial Restructuring(Maharashtra, Goa & Karnataka): The Ministry of Railways has proposed a 3rd Financial Restructuring initiative to strengthen the financial and operational performance of Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) across Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka. The proposal includes major infrastructure investments aimed at enhancing line capacity, safety and efficiency along the Konkan Railway route.

Key works under the plan include the construction of two new tunnels at Pernem and Old Goa and three new crossing stations at Mayem, Neura-O-Grande and Mookambika Road–Byndoor. These upgrades are expected to reduce congestion, improves operational efficiency and significantly boost regional connectivity.

Proposed 3rd & 4th line between Nidadavolu – Duvvada stations(Andhra Pradesh): The Ministry of Railways has proposed the construction of 3rd and 4^th  railway lines between Nidadavolu and Duvvada in Andhra Pradesh, covering 198.10 km. The corridor, part of the Howrah–Chennai main line, is a High Traffic Density route under the Mission 3000 MT strategy and falls under the Vijayawada Division of South-Central Railway.

The project aims to address rising freight volumes driven by coal, gypsum, fertilizer imports from expanding Andhra Pradesh ports, while also meeting growing public demand for improved passenger connectivity. The additional lines will enhance capacity for both freight and coaching services, especially toward Visakhapatnam and southern destinations.

The augmentation will support major industrial units including Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, Ramco Cements, Chettinad Cement  improving logistics efficiency and contributing to regional industrial growth.

Construction of New 3rd & 4th lines in Nagda-Mathura section(Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh & Rajasthan): The Ministry of Railways has proposed the construction of third and fourth railway lines between Nagda and Mathura, covering 567.860 km across Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The corridor forms a vital segment of the Golden Quadrilateral and High-Density Network-3 (HDN-3), serving as a key freight and passenger route connecting Delhi and Mumbai via Kota, Bharatpur, Nagda and Ratlam.

The project is part of the Mission 3000 MT in National Rail Plan and aims to meet rising freight and passenger demand by upgrading the existing double line. Completion of this section—currently the only un-augmented stretch on HDN-3—will significantly boost carrying capacity on the Delhi–Mumbai corridor.

The new lines will support substantial freight growth generated by major industries in the region, including thermal power plants, petroleum terminals, fertilizer plants, cement works and warehousing hubs, thereby strengthening logistics infrastructure and facilitating regional industrial development.

Proposed 3rd and 4th line between Ghaziabad Station – New Sitapur Station(Uttar Pradesh): The Ministry of Railways has proposed the construction of a third and fourth broad-gauge railway line (1676 mm) between Ghaziabad and New Sitapur in Uttar Pradesh, spanning 402.78 km across ten districts. The project aims to enhance connectivity and boost regional development by easing traffic flow toward the Northern Frontier Railways and improving efficiency for both commuter and freight operations in northern markets.

The new lines are expected to reduce logistics costs, improve transportation efficiency, and support sustainable mobility. The corridor is supported by strong road connectivity to major industrial areas, agricultural mandis, logistics hubs and other economic centres, with provisions for upgrades to meet future demand. The region also benefits from proximity to key airports  including Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi), Bareilly Airport and Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (Lucknow), further strengthening multimodal access.

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

Rail infrastructure projects under PM GatiShakti aim to expand lines and restructure finance to boost multimodal logistics efficiency. The Network Planning Group reviewed five rail proposals under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan to advance integrated multimodal infrastructure, last mile connectivity and a Whole of Government approach. Proposals comprise third and fourth lines on Gummidipundi-Gudur, Nidadavolu-Duvvada, Nagda-Mathura and Ghaziabad-New Sitapur corridors, and a third financial restructuring with infrastructure investments for Konkan Railway Corporation Limited, each aimed at augmenting capacity, reducing congestion and improving logistics and multimodal access for key sectors.