Centre accelerates 8 key road, railway and metro projects under PM GatiShakti plan

New Delhi: The Network Planning Group (NPG), in its 89th meeting, reviewed eight major infrastructure projects spanning the road, railway and metro sectors to strengthen multimodal connectivity and improve logistics efficiency in line with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued a statement on Friday detailing these initiatives.

According to the Ministry, these projects aim to enhance logistical efficiency, reduce travel time and bring considerable socio-economic benefits to various regions.

Road sector projects

Among the four projects in the road sector, the first involves upgrading the Darugiri to Dalu section of NH-62 (New NH-217) in Meghalaya into a two-lane highway with a paved shoulder. The 136.11 km stretch traverses East Garo Hills, South Garo Hills, and West Garo Hills, significantly improving regional connectivity. Due to its strategic location, the corridor is expected to boost cross-border trade and economic activities in the region.

The second project focuses on constructing a four-lane tunnel under the Brahmaputra River, connecting Gohpur and Numaligarh. This will be India’s first-ever road tunnel beneath a major river. The project will reduce travel time from 6.5 hours to just 30 minutes, shortening the travel distance from 240 km to 34 km. This twin-tube, unidirectional underwater tunnel will enhance connectivity to northeastern states like Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur.

The third project entails the widening and improvement of the existing Kaliabor-Numaligarh highway in Assam from two lanes to four lanes. Spanning 85.67 km across Nagaon, Karbi Anglong, and Golaghat districts, the project incorporates wildlife-friendly infrastructure such as elevated corridors and crossings to protect the biodiversity of Kaziranga National Park.

The fourth project involves constructing a two-lane highway from Mayjilar to Jaisalmer, including a bypass link road for Jaisalmer. Spanning 138.177 km along NH-11 and NH-70, the project includes both brownfield and greenfield sections. It is expected to enhance regional connectivity, bolster tourism, facilitate defence movement, and improve road safety in Rajasthan.

Railway Projects

Three projects under the Ministry of Railways were evaluated, including the expansion of the third and fourth rail lines on the Badlapur-Karjat route. Covering a 32.460 km brownfield stretch, this project aims to address increasing congestion in passenger and freight traffic along the Mumbai-Pune-Solapur-Wadi-Chennai corridor. The expansion will benefit several commuter and freight transit points, including Badlapur, Vangani, Shelu, Neral, Bhivpuri, and Karjat.

The second railway project involves constructing a fourth rail line between Nergundi and Cuttack, along with a flyover at Nergundi. This 15.99 km-long brownfield initiative in Odisha is designed to ease congestion, facilitate freight transport, and improve operational efficiency along a corridor crucial for Paradip Port, Talcher coalfields, and key steel and power industries.

The third railway project focuses on constructing a double rail line from Haridaspur to Paradip. This 74.09 km brownfield initiative in Odisha will enhance freight capacity and logistics efficiency, streamlining coal transportation from Talcher Coalfields to Paradip Port while supporting industrial growth in the Angul-Jharsuguda region.

Metro Project

The Rajkot Metro Rail Project was also assessed. This greenfield urban transport initiative aims to decongest traffic and provide a sustainable mode of public transportation in Gujarat’s Rajkot. Spanning 41.11 km, the metro system will integrate with existing urban infrastructure, ensuring seamless multimodal connectivity with regional rail networks, city buses, and intermediate public transport options like auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws.

“These infrastructure projects, aligned with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, will significantly enhance connectivity, improve logistics, and contribute to regional and national economic growth,” the statement concluded.
IANS