NPG reviews eight major infra projects under PM GatiShakti to boost connectivity

The 105th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) on Friday reviewed eight major infrastructure projects, including seven rail and one road, aimed at strengthening multimodal connectivity and improving logistics efficiency under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan.

The meeting evaluated projects proposed by the Ministry of Railways and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for their alignment with integrated infrastructure planning, last-mile connectivity, and a whole-of-government approach.

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The initiatives are expected to reduce congestion, cut travel time, and deliver wide-ranging socio-economic benefits in their respective regions, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in a statement.

Among the key rail proposals is the construction of third and fourth railway lines on high-density corridors, including Arakkonam–Renigunta, Guntakal–Bellary, Guntakal–Wadi, and Yadadri–Kazipet sections.

These projects are designed to expand line capacity, improve punctuality, and support rising passenger and freight demand, particularly for coal, cement, steel, and industrial goods.

Track doubling projects were also reviewed for the Erode–Karur and Salem–Karur–Dindigul sections in Tamil Nadu.

These corridors serve key industrial and energy hubs and are expected to strengthen regional supply chains, reduce freight costs, and enhance mobility.

In Maharashtra, the NPG assessed a proposal for a multi-tracking electrified rail line between Talegaon and Uruli in Pune district.

The project aims to improve connectivity to major logistics hubs, ports, and industrial clusters, including automobile and manufacturing zones.

The only road project under review involves the upgradation of National Highway NH-544D from Vinukonda to Guntur in Andhra Pradesh. The highway will be widened to four lanes with paved shoulders, improving connectivity between NH-44 and NH-16.

The Commerce Ministry said the project could reduce travel time by nearly 52 percent and significantly cut logistics costs while supporting economic growth in Amaravati and surrounding cities.

The meeting was chaired by the Joint Secretary, Logistics, Department for Promotion of Industry, and Internal Trade (DPIIT).