The 90th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan took place today, focusing on critical infrastructure projects in the road, railway, and metro sectors. The discussions centered on improving multimodal connectivity, optimizing logistics, and ensuring seamless transportation networks across various regions of India. Five key projects were assessed for their alignment with the principles of PM Gati Shakti, which emphasize integrated infrastructure, last-mile connectivity, and intermodal coordination.
Among the road projects reviewed, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) proposed upgrading NH-165 from Aakiveedu to Digamarru in Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari district. The project aims to strengthen the link between NH-216 and NH-65, easing congestion and enhancing road safety. Another road project under evaluation was the upgradation of NH-754K from Lakhpat to Santalpur in Gujarat, which will improve connectivity in Kachchh and Patan districts while facilitating better access to Bhuj Railway Station and the New Bhuj Airport.
In the railway sector, the Ministry of Railways (MoR) presented two major projects. The first involves constructing a new Broad Gauge (BG) railway line from Jajpur-Keonjhar Road to Dhamara Port in Odisha. This project will bolster freight movement by providing a direct link between industrial clusters, coal fields, and the port. The second project focuses on doubling the Furkating–New Tinsukia railway section in Assam as part of a broader Lumding–Tinsukia–Dibrugarh expansion initiative. The enhancement aims to increase railway capacity and improve connectivity in key districts such as Golaghat, Jorhat, Sivasagar, Dibrugarh, and Tinsukia.
The metro sector also saw a significant proposal from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), which plans to extend the Noida Metro Rail Corridor from Sector 142 to Botanical Garden. This 11.56 km stretch will bridge the Noida Metro Rail Corporation’s Aqua Line with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation’s Blue Line, ensuring smoother transit for commuters and reducing road congestion in Noida and Greater Noida.
These infrastructure projects hold immense potential to drive economic growth, streamline logistics, and enhance public transportation efficiency. The meeting, chaired by Shri Pankaj Kumar, Joint Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), reinforced the government’s commitment to advancing modern and sustainable infrastructure under the PM Gati Shakti initiative.
