Rail Capacity Boost: Jalandhar Cantt–Jammu Tawi Third Line
Among the key proposals reviewed was a third railway line between Jalandhar Cantt and Jammu Tawi, covering approximately 210.75 km across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. The project will pass through 27 stations and key districts including Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Kangra, Pathankot, Kathua and Samba.
This corridor holds strategic significance due to its proximity to border areas. The additional line is expected to enhance defence mobility by enabling faster movement of personnel and equipment. Economically, it will facilitate smoother transport of agricultural produce, construction materials and essential commodities.
Manikpur–Itarsi Third Line to Decongest Central Corridor
The NPG also evaluated the proposal for a 518.53 km third railway line between Manikpur and Itarsi, traversing Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The alignment connects major districts such as Chitrakoot, Satna, Maihar, Katni, Jabalpur, Narsinghpur and Narmadapuram.
This route forms a crucial link between northern and central India and carries heavy passenger and freight traffic. The capacity expansion is expected to reduce congestion, improve reliability and enable additional train services. Enhanced operational resilience will support industrial hubs, goods sheds and tourism centers along the corridor.
Greenfield Airport at Doloo, Silchar
In the civil aviation segment, the proposed Greenfield Airport at Doloo in Silchar, Assam, was reviewed. Strategically located near National Highway 27, the new airport aims to address capacity constraints at the existing civil enclave and cater to rising air travel demand.
Once operational, the airport is expected to accelerate socio-economic growth in Cachar district and surrounding regions. Improved connectivity will boost trade, tourism and investment while generating employment across logistics, hospitality and allied sectors. More aviation project updates can be accessed at https://www.pib.gov.in.
Surat Metro Extension to High-Speed Rail Corridor
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs presented the proposal to extend Surat Metro Corridor II (Phase I) by 4.4 km from Saroli to the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (HSR) corridor. The elevated stretch will include three stations with provision for two future stations.
The extension is designed as a feeder link to the HSR corridor, enabling seamless metro-to-bullet train transfers. Integrated station planning, feeder bus systems and non-motorized transport infrastructure will improve urban mobility and reduce dependency on private vehicles.
Multimodal Vision Under PM GatiShakti
All four projects were assessed for their contribution to multimodal connectivity, logistics optimization and regional economic growth. The PM GatiShakti framework emphasizes synchronized infrastructure development across ministries to eliminate bottlenecks and reduce project delays.
By integrating rail, metro, road and air transport planning, the initiative seeks to cut logistics costs, reduce travel time and create sustainable growth corridors. The NPG’s evaluation ensures that proposed projects complement existing networks and maximize socio-economic returns.
The 109th meeting reaffirmed the government’s focus on infrastructure as a catalyst for development. With strategic rail expansions, urban transit integration and enhanced aviation capacity, the reviewed projects are poised to strengthen India’s transport backbone while aligning with the long-term vision of PM GatiShakti.
