The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Pankaj Kumar, Joint Secretary (Logistics), Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The discussions centered on enhancing multimodal connectivity, improving logistics efficiency, and ensuring alignment with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS NMP).
Photo: SNS
The 101st meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) was convened to evaluate infrastructure projects pertaining to the Ministries of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) and Railways (MoR).
The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Pankaj Kumar, Joint Secretary (Logistics), Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The discussions centered on enhancing multimodal connectivity, improving logistics efficiency, and ensuring alignment with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS NMP).
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The NPG assessed projects for their conformity with the GatiShakti principles of integrated infrastructure development, last-mile connectivity, and the “Whole of Government” approach.
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The NPG reviewed four major infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency under the PM GatiShakti framework.
These included the rehabilitation and upgradation of NH-160A from Ghoti to Palghar in Maharashtra, a 154.6 km stretch that will serve as an alternate freight corridor linking Nashik’s industrial hubs with western ports, improving port access and decongesting urban routes.
The Group also evaluated two highway development projects in Madhya Pradesh, covering about 300 km between Hiwarkhedi–Basinda–Roshni and Ashapur–Rudhy (Betul–Khandwa), which will strengthen interstate connectivity across central and western India and improve access to key industrial and economic centers.
In the railways sector, the NPG assessed the construction of 3rd and 4th lines between Gamharia and Chandil in Jharkhand, spanning 56 km, to address congestion and enhance freight movement on a critical mineral and industrial corridor.
Additionally, the proposed 4th line between Sainthia and Pakur (81.2 km) across West Bengal and Jharkhand was reviewed to boost capacity along the high-demand “Energy Corridor,” benefiting power, cement, and mining industries while promoting a shift from road to rail transport.
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