The 89th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG), chaired by DPIIT Joint Secretary Shri Pankaj Kumar, reviewed four major infrastructure projects in the Railway and Metro sectors. Aligned with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, these initiatives aim to enhance multimodal connectivity, improve logistics efficiency, and boost regional economic growth.
Introduction:
The meeting assessed four projects—three in the Railway sector and one in the Metro sector—based on their alignment with PM GatiShakti principles, emphasizing integrated multimodal infrastructure, last-mile connectivity, and intermodal coordination. These initiatives are set to significantly improve regional transportation, logistics, and economic growth.
Rajkot Metro Rail Project:
The Rajkot Metro Project is a greenfield urban transport initiative designed to reduce traffic congestion and promote sustainable mobility in Rajkot, Gujarat. Covering 41.11 km, it integrates with existing urban infrastructure, ensuring seamless multimodal connectivity with regional rail networks, city bus services, and intermediate public transport modes such as autos and cycle rickshaws.
Railway Sector:
Badlapur-Karjat Third & Fourth Line Expansion:
- A 32.46 km-long brownfield project aimed at addressing increasing passenger and freight congestion along the Mumbai-Pune-Solapur-Wadi-Chennai corridor.
- Enhances connectivity between key commuter hubs and freight transit points, benefiting towns like Badlapur, Vangani, Shelu, Neral, Bhivpuri, and Karjat.
Nergundi to Cuttack Fourth Line with Flyover at Nergundi:
- A 15.99 km-long brownfield railway infrastructure project in Odisha designed to decongest existing rail lines and improve freight movement.
- Supports major industrial hubs, including Paradip Port, Talcher coalfields, and steel and power industries.
Haridaspur to Paradip Doubling Line:
- A 74.09 km-long railway expansion project in Odisha to improve freight transport capacity.
- Facilitates seamless coal transportation from Talcher Coalfields to Paradip Port while promoting industrial expansion in the Angul-Jharsuguda cluster.
Conclusion:
The PM GatiShakti-aligned projects reviewed by the NPG will enhance multimodal transport, streamline freight and passenger movement, and boost regional economies. By improving railway and metro infrastructure, these initiatives contribute to India’s long-term vision of efficient logistics, reduced transit times, and seamless connectivity across urban and industrial hubs.
Source: PIB – Press Release | Image Credit (representational): AI
