PM GatiShakti NPG reviews key infrastructure projects

PM GatiShakti’s NPG evaluates important projects that will improve India’s multimodal infrastructure, promote regional development, and improve logistics efficiency during its 82nd meeting.

The 82nd meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) under the PM GatiShakti program, chaired by Shri Rajeev Singh Thakur, Additional Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), was held on October 24, 2024, to examine significant infrastructure projects across India. Representatives from project proponents, the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG-N), and nodal officers from respective states attended, with a focus on improving multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency in line with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS NMP).

The NPG reviewed all seven projects in accordance with PM GatiShakti’s basic concepts, which include integrated multimodal infrastructure development, last-mile connectivity to economic and social nodes, intermodal connectivity, and synchronised project implementation. These projects are expected to play critical roles in national development by increasing logistical efficiency, lowering travel time, and providing significant socioeconomic advantages to the regions they serve.The evaluation and predicted impacts of these initiatives are given below:

• Projects of the Ministry of Railways (MoR)

Jharsuguda to Sason 3rd & 4th lines Rail Line, Odisha
This rail line upgrade spans 64 kilometres and is located in the Jharsuguda-Sambalpur segment, a significant part of Odisha’s industrial corridor that encompasses the Talcher coalfields and IB Valley (Sundargarh). The project contributes to the “Mission 3000 MT” ambition by attempting to quadruple coal transport capacity by 2027, hence increasing logistics efficiency and goods throughput. This Energy Corridor connects significant economic nodes such as Jharsuguda, Rengali, and Lapanga, as well as the coastal shipping ports of Paradip and Dhamra. The line connects with PM GatiShakti to provide multimodal infrastructure, including goods sheds at Rengali, Lapanga, and Brundamal, as well as improved connections to NH-49 and SH10.

Sambalpur to Jarapada Rail Line (3rd & 4th lines), Odisha
This rail line expansion between Sambalpur and Jarapada, spanning 127.2 km, is critical to the coal supply chain in Odisha’s industrial zone, which includes the IB Valley and Talcher coalfields. The project supports PM GatiShakti’s goal of doubling coal transport capacity by 2027 as part of the “Mission 3000 MT” campaign. The rail route will help key industrial clusters like as large aluminium manufacturing plants in Jharsuguda, Lapanga, Rengali, and Paradip. The train link also connects efficiently to the ports of Paradip and Dhamra, allowing for efficient multimodal operations and assisting the area energy sector. The project, which is integrated within PM GatiShakti’s framework, increases logistical capacity by connecting to NH-55 and NH-53, allowing for more industrial access.

Tirupati-Katpadi Double Line, Andhra Pradesh & Tamil Nadu
With a total alignment of 104.39 km, this project targets the high traffic density between Tirupati and Katpadi by improving rail connections and reducing bottlenecks in this single-line segment. The corridor, which runs through significant industrial clusters, contains two industrial parks near Renigunta (about 15 kilometres from Tirupati) and a SEZ (85 kilometres from Tirupati). The SEZ is a key industrial area, with several export-oriented businesses, and Renigunta’s proximity to a granite industry at Chittoor allows for better freight logistics. Furthermore, this project coincides with PM GatiShakti by optimising access to ports such as Krishnapatnam (104 km from Tirupati) and Chennai Port (140 km from Tirupati), promoting speedier flow of products and passengers to benefit tourism and local industry.

• Two (02) Projects of doubling the Rail lines in the State of Jharkhand

(i) Koderma – Arigada Rail line

(ii) Shivpur – Kathautia Rail line

These two projects, Doubling of Koderma-Arigada and Shivpur-Kathautia Rail Lines, which stretch approximately 133.38 km and 49.08 km, respectively, in the state of Jharkhand, aim to increase freight capacity in critical coal-transporting regions. The NPG explored options to resolve bottlenecks and enhance overall logistics performance, predicting significant gains in freight transportation and economic advantages for the region.

• Projects of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)

Prayagraj-Jaunpur-Azamgarh-Dohrighat-Gorakhpur Road, Uttar Pradesh
This 144-kilometer project connects cities such as Prayagraj, Jaunpur, Azamgarh, Dohrighat, and Gorakhpur, incorporating both greenfield and brownfield parts. The planned bypasses for key towns aim to minimise traffic congestion and improve freight and passenger transit. PM GatiShakti principles are used to promote multimodal logistics and ensure timely land acquisition and infrastructure alignment with regional needs.

Ghazipur-Syed Raja Road Section, Uttar Pradesh
This 41.53-kilometer Greenfield alignment connects Ghazipur to critical logistics hubs, improving freight transportation and access to industrial zones. The Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFCCIL), local railway stations like as Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya and Ghazipur City, and air connectivity via Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport are among the key multimodal connections. Furthermore, the Varanasi Inland Waterway Terminal via NH-19 provides an alternate freight route, optimising logistics within the PM GatiShakti framework to expedite trade and minimise logistics costs in the region.

Once completed, these projects will make a substantial contribution to India’s infrastructure environment, ensuring that the benefits of seamless connection reach every region. These programs connect with the government’s objective of developing multimodal transport systems and addressing significant infrastructure shortages.

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