Rail and road projects evaluated in NPG meeting

The Network Planning Group (NPG) assessed four significant infrastructure proposals at its 96th meeting: three railway projects and road project.

To assess important infrastructure initiatives in the road and rail transport sectors, the Network Planning Group (NPG) held its 96th meeting today. In keeping with the tenets of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS NMP), the meeting’s main objectives were to increase multimodal connectivity and boost logistical effectiveness.

Four projects in all were examined: one greenfield road project from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and three brownfield railway projects from the Ministry of Railways (MoR). The degree to which these initiatives adhered to the three main goals of PM GatiShakti—intermodal coordination, last-mile connectivity, and integrated planning—was evaluated. When the initiatives are put into action, they should shorten travel times, increase the effectiveness of logistics, and produce major socioeconomic advantages for all areas.

Ministry of Railways (MoR)

Asangaon–Kasara 4th Line
A fourth railway line, spanning roughly 34.97 km in Thane district, Maharashtra, between Asangaon and Kasara, has been suggested by the Ministry of Railways through Central Railway. In order to facilitate the passage of both passengers and freight, the project intends to increase train capacity and declutter the current corridor. Six road underbridges (RUBs), one road overbridge (ROB), two major bridges, and 129 smaller bridges are all part of the alignment. This segment of the HDN-2 corridor provides access to important industrial centres such as JNPA (97 km), Dighi Port, JSW Dolvi, and the Amazon, Flipkart, and Adani Logistics storage clusters.

Doubling between Bakhtiyarpur and Tilaiya
The 103.528-kilometre railway line that runs through the Bihar districts of Patna, Nalanda, Gaya, and Nawada from Karnauti to Tilaiya via Rajgir will be doubled as part of this project. Major towns like Bakhtiyarpur, Harnaut, Bihar Sharif, Rajgir, and Hisua are also along the alignment. The corridor facilitates the transportation of goods to the UltraTech Cement and SJVN Chausa power plants. By FY 2029–2030, it is expected to carry an additional 26.02 MTPA, up from its existing 28.33 MTPA. 18 main bridges, 284 minor bridges, four ROBs, and 49 RUBs are all part of the project.

Third and Fourth Lines between Delhi and Ambala
The project calls for building the third and fourth broad-gauge lines, which would span 193.60 kilometres between Delhi and Ambala. It crosses Sonipat, Panipat, Karnal, Kurukshetra, and Ambala on its way through Haryana and the National Capital Region. There are two ROBs and 79 RUBs in the 33-station alignment. The corridor enhances access to Chandigarh, Ludhiana, and Indira Gandhi International Airport and links to important national highways (NH-44, NH-9, NH-48, NH-344GM, NH-152). It is anticipated to enhance area’s economic growth and promote trade, tourism, and agriculture.

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)

Four-laning of the Mokama–Munger Section of NH-80
An 82.4-kilometre section of National Highway 33 from Mokameh Khas (NH-31) to Safiyabad Morcha in Bihar has been planned to be four-laned by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. By connecting NH-33, NH-31, and SH-18, this corridor—which is being developed under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM)—will enhance regional connectivity and guarantee access to important centres like Patna, Lakhisarai, and Munger. It is anticipated that the project will help the Baruani industrial sector and make it easier for people and goods to commute between Patna and Jharkhand. By rerouting commercial trucks to a high-speed bypass, it will also assist in decongesting city arteries, improving safety and cutting down on travel time.