Focus on Multimodal Connectivity and Efficiency
The meeting, held at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), assessed projects from the Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), and Ministry of Civil Aviation. The evaluation emphasized alignment with PM GatiShakti National Master Plan principles, including integrated multimodal infrastructure, last-mile connectivity to economic and social nodes, and a ‘Whole of Government’ approach.
Projects reviewed include two major railway lines, a metro extension, and a greenfield airport, all aimed at improving transport efficiency, reducing travel times, and generating socio-economic benefits in their respective regions.
Key Rail Infrastructure Projects
1. Third Line between Jalandhar Cantt and Jammu Tawi: Spanning 210.75 km across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir, this project will add 27 stations along key districts including Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Kangra, Pathankot, Kathua, and Samba. The new line will enhance rail capacity, facilitate faster movement of defence personnel and equipment, and improve transport for trade and commerce.
2. Third Line between Manikpur and Itarsi: Covering 518.53 km across Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, this line passes through Chitrakoot, Satna, Maihar, Katni, Jabalpur, Narsinghpur, and Narmadapuram. The project will boost operational capacity, reduce congestion, and support regional economic growth while ensuring reliable passenger and freight services.
Greenfield Airport and Metro Extension
Greenfield Airport at Doloo, Silchar (Assam): Proposed adjacent to NH-27, this airport aims to address growing air travel demand and infrastructure limitations of the existing civil enclave. Once operational, it will enhance regional connectivity, promote trade, tourism, and business, and stimulate allied sectors including logistics, hospitality, and urban infrastructure.
Surat Metro Corridor II Extension (Gujarat): Extending 4.4 km from Saroli to connect with the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (HSR) corridor, this project includes three new stations with provisions for two future stations. It will provide seamless last-mile connectivity, integrate metro and HSR services, and improve passenger convenience while supporting sustainable urban transport.
Expected Impact and Way Forward
These infrastructure projects are poised to transform regional transport networks, enhance multimodal integration, and contribute significantly to socio-economic development. By strengthening connectivity between key economic hubs and social nodes, they will improve logistics efficiency and reduce travel times across northern, central, and northeastern India.
The PM GatiShakti NPG will continue to monitor implementation, ensuring projects meet national strategic, economic, and social objectives. Detailed project execution plans and impact assessments will guide future infrastructure investments, fostering sustainable regional growth.
