The 97th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) has taken a major step toward reshaping India’s infrastructure. Convened under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, the meeting evaluated five key projects that promise to transform multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency across the country.
Why This Meeting Matters
The NPG, led by Joint Secretary Shri Pankaj Kumar (DPIIT), reviewed projects from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and the Ministry of Railways (MoR). Together, these projects cover over 480 kilometers of critical transport infrastructure, aiming to:
- Enhance last-mile connectivity
- Integrate rail, road, and air transport
- Strengthen economic and defense logistics
- Promote regional development
Three of the projects are greenfield and two are brownfield, all aligned with GatiShakti’s goal of unified infrastructure planning.
MoRTH Projects: Transforming Roads and Connectivity
1. Dwarka Tunnel – Unlocking Delhi’s Traffic
This 6-lane underground greenfield tunnel will link Nelson Mandela Marg to Gurgaon and Dwarka. It aims to create a seamless link between NH-8, the Dwarka Expressway, and Urban Extension Road (UER-2).
The project is crucial for:
- Reducing congestion on NH-48
- Providing alternate access to IGI Airport
- Improving freight movement through Delhi’s logistics hubs
By diverting commercial traffic away from city roads, the tunnel will save commuters both time and fuel.
2. Patna–Purnia Expressway – Bridging Bihar’s Growth
This proposed 244.93 km, 6-lane expressway will connect Patna and Purnia at high speed (120 km/h). It links three airports, including Darbhanga and Purnia, and covers six districts in Bihar.
The expressway will:
- Boost tourism and religious travel
- Improve access to defense and industrial zones
- Support rural and regional development
This corridor is set to become a game-changer for Eastern India’s infrastructure.
3. Suratgarh–Sri Ganganagar Widening – Strategic Backbone
This project will widen the NH-62 corridor from two lanes to four over 75.55 km in Rajasthan. Located near India’s western border, it is vital for both defense mobility and regional growth.
Key benefits include:
- Improved military logistics near border areas
- Enhanced connectivity between Rajasthan and Punjab
- Support to agri-business and textile industries
This brownfield upgrade will also promote tourism and sustainable transport systems in the region.
Railway Projects: Doubling Down on Connectivity
4. Baddi–Ghanauli New Rail Line – Fueling Industrial Hubs
This 25.396 km greenfield rail line will connect Baddi (Himachal Pradesh) to Ghanauli (Punjab). Known for its pharmaceutical and manufacturing base, Baddi urgently needs better logistics support.
This new link will:
- Improve freight and passenger mobility
- Reduce transport costs for industries
- Support employment and economic development
It’s a vital step in connecting India’s industrial clusters through modern railways.
5. Kanalus–Okha Doubling – Sacred and Strategic
This project will double the 141.117 km rail line between Kanalus and Okha in Gujarat. It will improve access to Dwarkadhish Temple and Okha Port, both major hubs for pilgrims and trade.
With proximity to India’s maritime border, the route is crucial for:
- Faster and safer passenger travel
- Defense logistics readiness
- Smooth movement of industrial freight
The project combines spiritual, strategic, and economic significance in one alignment.
What PM GatiShakti Aims to Achieve
PM GatiShakti’s vision is to create a digitally integrated, multimodal infrastructure ecosystem. These five projects tick all the right boxes—inter-ministerial collaboration, regional development, connectivity to economic nodes, and logistics enhancement.
The NPG ensures that these projects are not planned in silos but are part of a broader, future-ready infrastructure strategy.
Looking Ahead: Faster Growth, Better Travel
These projects are not just about roads or rail lines. They are about creating seamless journeys, strengthening defense readiness, and connecting rural and urban India through smart planning.
As these plans move forward, India’s growth story will be fueled by faster travel, better logistics, and more opportunities for people and businesses alike.
