102nd NPG Meeting Reviews Key Rail and Highway Projects under GatiShakti Plan

The project is aligned with PM GatiShakti’s objective of strengthening multimodal logistics networks that can support expanding industrial and agricultural economies in Bihar.

The 102nd meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) convened today under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS NMP), bringing together senior officials to evaluate major transport and logistics infrastructure proposals. Chaired by the Joint Secretary (Logistics), DPIIT, the meeting focused on projects from the Ministry of Railways (MoR) and the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) aimed at strengthening multimodal connectivity, improving logistics efficiency and accelerating socio-economic development across India.

The NPG reviewed three infrastructure projects—two rail and one highway—based on the core PM GatiShakti principles of integrated multimodal planning, last-mile connectivity to economic and social nodes, and a Whole-of-Government approach. These projects are expected to significantly enhance freight mobility, cut travel times, improve regional accessibility, and support economic expansion in their respective regions.

---

Overview of Projects Evaluated

1. Rail Capacity Expansion Project: 3rd & 4th Line between Punarakh–Kiul (Bihar)

Ministry of Railways

The Ministry of Railways has proposed a major capacity augmentation project involving the construction of Third and Fourth Railway Lines between Punarakh and Kiul, covering approximately 49.57 km across Patna and Lakhisarai districts. This rail corridor is one of Bihar's most strategically important industrial belts.

Strategic Importance

The project will significantly enhance rail capacity in a corridor that serves major industrial establishments such as:

• Ultratech Cement Plant

• ACC Cement (Warsaliganj)

• NTPC Barauni

• NTPC Barh Super Thermal Power Station

• Carriage Repair Workshop (Harnaut)

• SJVN Power Plant (Chausa)

Additionally, it will support small and medium-scale industries dealing in automobiles, marble, stone, food processing, petroleum and textiles across Fatuha, Patna–Patliputra, Mokama, Barhiya and Lakhisarai.

Expected Impact

• Reduced congestion and improved operational reliability

• Faster and safer freight and passenger movement

• Enhanced accessibility for regional hubs such as Patna, Fatuha, Bakhtiyarpur, and Mokama

• Boosted tourism to sites like Mahavir Mandir, Gandhi Sangrahalaya, Gol Ghar, Bihar Museum, and Takhat Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib

The project is aligned with PM GatiShakti's objective of strengthening multimodal logistics networks that can support expanding industrial and agricultural economies in Bihar.

---

2. New BG Line: Silghat (Silghat Town) – Dekargaon (Tezpur), Assam

Ministry of Railways

The second proposal involves establishing a 27.50 km new Broad Gauge line between Silghat and Dekargaon in Assam. This new route, aligned near NH-15 and NH-715, is designed to enhance connectivity between rail and road networks, improving multimodal logistics integration in the region.

Strategic Significance

• Creates an alternative and efficient rail route across the Brahmaputra belt

• Enhances synergy with national highways for better freight evacuation

• Supports growing rail demand between Dekargaon and New Silghat

• Boosts economic activity, local trade, agriculture, and tourism

Long-Term Benefits

This project will play a vital role in strengthening transport infrastructure across Assam. The new line is expected to catalyze:

• Increased freight and passenger capacity

• Industrial expansion in tea, horticulture, and MSME sectors

• Improved accessibility to Northeast India's economic nodes

• A more resilient and integrated regional logistics ecosystem

The development supports the Government's vision to bolster Northeast connectivity through strategic multimodal integration.

---

3. Four-Lane Elevated Corridor: Old Pune Naka to Boramani Naka (Solapur, Maharashtra)

Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH)

The third proposal pertains to the construction of a 4-lane elevated corridor spanning 9.66 km on NH-65, connecting Old Pune Naka and Boramani Naka in Solapur, Maharashtra.

Project Highlights

Part of Bharatmala Pariyojana (Phase-I), this corridor includes:

• Approach ramps

• Service roads

• Dedicated grade-separated lanes to reduce traffic conflict points

Objectives and Benefits

• Decongest Solapur city by streamlining highway traffic

• Reduce travel time and improve road safety

• Lower vehicular emissions due to smoother traffic flow

• Boost local economy, industrial logistics, and religious tourism

• Improve access to social facilities and commercial hubs

The project is expected to transform mobility along NH-65, supporting Solapur's growth and strengthening national highway connectivity.

---

GatiShakti Principles: A Common Vision Across All Projects

Throughout the evaluation, the NPG assessed the projects against key PM GatiShakti parameters:

1. Integrated Multimodal Connectivity

Ensuring coordinated development of rail, road, and urban infrastructure to support seamless logistics.

2. Last-Mile Access to Economic Nodes

Improving connectivity to industrial clusters, agricultural mandis, ports, railheads, and urban centers.

3. Whole-of-Government Approach

Promoting synergy across ministries and departments to avoid duplication, reduce costs and accelerate project timelines.

---

Anticipated Socio-Economic Impact

Once implemented, the proposed projects are expected to deliver wide-ranging benefits:

• Logistics cost reduction through improved infrastructure

• Enhanced safety and operational reliability for both freight and passenger systems

• Regional development and increased tourism

• Better access to employment hubs and markets

• Optimized use of transport networks through multimodal integration

Collectively, these initiatives support India's goal of building a world-class, integrated logistics ecosystem capable of meeting future mobility demands.

The 102nd meeting of the Network Planning Group reaffirmed the Government's commitment to delivering efficient, future-ready transport infrastructure through integrated planning under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan. By evaluating crucial railway and highway projects in Bihar, Assam and Maharashtra, the NPG continues to play a pivotal role in guiding infrastructure development that is sustainable, impactful, and economically transformative.