The 109th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) under the PM GatiShakti framework evaluated several major infrastructure proposals aimed at strengthening multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency across India.
The meeting was held at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and reviewed projects submitted by the Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, and Ministry of Civil Aviation. The projects were assessed for alignment with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, focusing on integrated planning, last-mile connectivity, and a whole-of-government approach to infrastructure development.
In total, the NPG evaluated two railway projects, one metro project, and one airport project, all expected to enhance connectivity, reduce travel time, and generate socio-economic benefits in their respective regions.
Rail Project 1: Jalandhar Cantt–Jammu Tawi Third Line
The Ministry of Railways proposed construction of a third railway line between Jalandhar Cantt and Jammu Tawi, covering 210.75 km across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir.
Key highlights:
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Alignment covering 27 stations
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Passing through Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Kangra, Pathankot, Kathua, and Samba districts
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Capacity augmentation on a strategically important corridor
The project holds significant strategic importance, enabling faster deployment of defence personnel and supplies to border regions. Economically, it is expected to improve movement of agricultural produce, construction materials, and essential commodities.
Rail Project 2: Manikpur–Itarsi Third Line
Another major proposal involves a 518.53 km third railway line between Manikpur and Itarsi, traversing Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
The alignment passes through key districts including:
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Chitrakoot
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Satna
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Maihar
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Katni
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Jabalpur
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Narsinghpur
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Narmadapuram
The corridor is a vital north–central India rail link carrying heavy passenger and freight traffic. The additional line will:
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Increase operational capacity
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Reduce congestion
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Improve network resilience
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Enable introduction of additional train services
The project is expected to support regional economic growth while improving reliability across one of India’s busiest rail sections.
Aviation Project: Greenfield Airport at Doloo, Silchar
The Ministry of Civil Aviation proposed development of a Greenfield Airport at Doloo near Silchar in Assam, located adjacent to National Highway-27.
The airport aims to:
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Address capacity constraints of the existing civil enclave
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Improve regional air connectivity
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Support trade, tourism, and business development
Once operational, the airport is expected to drive socio-economic growth in Cachar district through multiplier effects in logistics, hospitality, and urban infrastructure sectors.
Metro Project: Surat Metro Extension to High-Speed Rail Corridor
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs proposed a 4.4 km elevated extension of Surat Metro Corridor II (Phase I) from Saroli to the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor.
Key features include:
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Three new metro stations
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Provision for two future stations
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Direct metro connectivity to the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor
The extension is planned as a dedicated feeder system, enabling seamless interchange between metro and high-speed rail services. Integrated planning will include feeder buses and non-motorised transport infrastructure to enhance last-mile connectivity and passenger convenience.
Strengthening Multimodal Infrastructure
Officials noted that all evaluated projects align with PM GatiShakti’s objective of integrated infrastructure planning by connecting economic hubs, logistics nodes, and population centres through coordinated development.
The initiatives are expected to:
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Improve logistics efficiency
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Reduce travel time and congestion
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Enhance multimodal transport integration
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Deliver long-term regional economic benefits
The NPG evaluation marks an important step toward accelerating infrastructure implementation through coordinated planning across ministries.
