NPG evaluates projects from Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways

The 110th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) was convened at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to evaluate infrastructure projects. The meeting focused on enhancing multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency in alignment with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS NMP). The NPG evaluated 02 Rail projects, 02 Metro projects, 02 Road and Highway 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:

Doubling of Rail line from Arakkonam to Chengalpattu (Tamil Nadu): The Ministry of Railways has proposed the doubling of the existing single broad-gauge railway line between Chengalpattu (CGL) and Arakkonam (AJJ) in Tamil Nadu. The project spans approximately 67.794 kilometres and passes through the districts of Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, and Ranipet under the administrative jurisdiction of the Chennai Division of Southern Railway. The alignment covers 12 stations, including the junction stations at Chengalpattu and Arakkonam, five crossing stations, and five halt stations along the route.

The proposed doubling aims to enhance line capacity, improve operational efficiency, and facilitate smoother movement of passenger and freight traffic along this important corridor. The project is expected to reduce congestion, minimize delays, and strengthen regional connectivity, supporting economic growth and improved rail services across the region.

Proposed Quadrupling between Whitefield and Bangarpet Stations (Karnataka): The Ministry of Railways has proposed the construction of a double line between Whitefield and Bangarpet stations in Karnataka, covering approximately 47 km. The proposed quadrupling of the Whitefield–Bangarpet section is aimed at significantly enhancing logistics efficiency along the Bengaluru–Chennai corridor. Under the plan, the existing double line will be prioritized for passenger services, while the additional two lines will primarily handle freight traffic, reducing detention, improving punctuality, and augmenting overall line capacity.

This strategically important corridor provides vital inter-state connectivity between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and supports substantial freight movement. The project is expected to lower transportation costs and enhance the global competitiveness of Indian industry by facilitating efficient movement of containerized EXIM cargo, steel, cement, petroleum products, fertilizers, and agricultural produce. With support from key freight terminals and sidings, the initiative will strengthen supply chains, optimize logistics operations, and contribute to sustained industrial and regional economic growth.

Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)

Mumbai Metro Line 11 (Anik Depot to Gateway of India) (Maharashtra): The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has proposed the construction of Mumbai Metro Line–11 from Anik Depot to Gateway of India in Maharashtra, spanning a total length of 17.41 km. The fully underground corridor will feature multiple interchange stations connecting operational and upcoming metro lines, further strengthening the integrated metro network of approximately 337 km across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The alignment will provide high-capacity connectivity to key residential, commercial, institutional, and heritage areas of South and Central Mumbai, including Wadala, Byculla, Nagpada, Crawford Market, CSMT, Horniman Circle, and the Gateway of India.

The project is expected to deliver significant socio-economic benefits by easing road congestion and enhancing overall urban mobility. It will result in savings in travel time, vehicle operating costs, and fuel consumption, while also contributing to reduced road accidents and lower air pollution levels. The implementation of Metro Line–11 will substantially augment Mumbai’s public transport infrastructure and support the development of a more efficient, sustainable, and environmentally responsible urban transport system.

Pune Metro Rail Project Line-4B: Hadapsar-Loni Kalbhor and Line-4C: Hadapsar Bus Depot to Saswad Road (Maharashtra): The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has proposed the development of Pune Metro Line–4 extensions (4B and 4C) in Maharashtra, covering a total length of 16.67 km. The proposed corridors are aimed at strengthening connectivity in Pune’s eastern and south-eastern regions by linking key residential, industrial, and emerging township areas along the Pune–Solapur Highway and Saswad Road, including Hadapsar, Manjari, Lonikalbhor, Phursungi, Bhekrai Nagar, and Wadki. Line–4B (Hadapsar–Lonikalbhor) will run along the Pune–Solapur Highway, while Line–4C (Hadapsar Bus Depot–Saswad Road) will extend along Saswad Road with seamless integration at Hadapsar.

The project is expected to significantly enhance Pune’s public transport infrastructure by improving connectivity with major bus depots and the Pune–Daund railway line. The extensions will facilitate smoother urban mobility, reduce road congestion and travel time, and contribute to lower vehicular emissions. The initiative will support sustainable urban growth and provide efficient, reliable public transport options for the expanding metropolitan region.

Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways (MoRTH)

Construction of 4 Lanning of Badnawar-Petlawad-Thandla-Timarwani from Badnawar Bypass  Timarwani Interchange of Delhi Mumbai expressway (NE-4)(Madhya Pradesh): The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has proposed the four-laning of the 80.450 km Badnawar–Petlawad–Thandla–Timarwani corridor in Madhya Pradesh to enhance regional connectivity and strengthen economic integration. The upgraded highway will improve linkages between Badnawar, Petlawad, and Thandla and major cities including Ujjain, Dewas, Bhopal, Indore, Ratlam, Dahod, and Godhara, facilitating better access to essential services, markets, and employment opportunities.

The project will also provide seamless connectivity to the PM MITRA (Pradhan Mantri Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel) Park near Dotriya village in Dhar district, along with improved access to the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway and the Pithampur logistics hub. The enhanced corridor is expected to boost industrial growth, improve freight efficiency, and contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of the region.

Construction of FotuLa Tunnel with Approaches on NH-1(Ladakh): The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has proposed the construction of the 2.65 km Fotu La Tunnel in the Union Territory of Ladakh to ensure reliable, all-weather connectivity along the Srinagar–Leh corridor (NH-01). The tunnel will bypass one of the highest and most weather-sensitive stretches of the highway, preventing frequent winter closures caused by heavy snowfall, avalanches, and black ice. The project is expected to reduce travel distance by approximately 8.5 km and cut travel time by around 23 minutes, significantly enhancing safety and operational efficiency.

Strategically important, the tunnel will facilitate uninterrupted movement of defence convoys and essential supplies, strengthening logistics along this critical route. It will also promote socio-economic development by ensuring stable connectivity between Leh, Kargil, and Srinagar, benefiting key locations such as Kargil, Khaltsi, Budhkharbu, Lamayuru, and Leh. Year-round access will improve connectivity to Leh Airport, support remote habitations, and drive sustained economic growth in Ladakh by maintaining continuous linkage with the rest of the country.