The Network Planning Group (NPG) held its 100th meeting on Friday to review and evaluate key infrastructure projects across the road, rail, and metro sectors. The session focused on strengthening multimodal connectivity and enhancing logistics efficiency in alignment with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS NMP).
The NPG assessed five projects – two road and highway projects proposed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), two rail projects from the Ministry of Railways (MoR), and one metro rail project from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). Each initiative was evaluated for its alignment with the principles of integrated multimodal infrastructure, last-mile connectivity to economic and social hubs, and the ‘Whole of Government’ approach.
The meeting was chaired by Pankaj Kumar, Joint Secretary, Logistics, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
Rail Projects
Quadrupling of Hosapete–Ballari Railway Line (Karnataka): The Ministry of Railways has proposed the construction of a 65-kilometre quadruple railway line between Hosapete and Ballari in Karnataka. This strategic corridor — a hub for mining, steel, cement, and power generation — is currently facing congestion due to heavy movement of iron ore, coal, steel, and cement. The quadrupling aims to ease congestion, increase freight capacity, and support the industrial growth of the Hosapete–Ballari belt.
Doubling of Gondia–Jabalpur Railway Line (Maharashtra & Madhya Pradesh): Another key project involves the doubling of the 230.5-kilometre Gondia–Jabalpur railway line across Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. The corridor connects major agricultural, mining, and industrial zones across Gondia, Balaghat, Mandla, Seoni, and Jabalpur districts. The project is expected to boost freight and passenger movement, ease bottlenecks on the single-line section, and enhance connectivity between eastern and central India.
Road Projects
Widening of Mahwa–Mandawar Section of NH-921 (Rajasthan): MoRTH has proposed the widening and upgradation of the Mahwa–Mandawar stretch of NH-921 over 50.246 kilometres. Once completed, the enhanced corridor will provide seamless connectivity between Rajasthan, Delhi NCR, and Haryana. The project is expected to reduce congestion, cut travel time, improve road safety, and stimulate trade and economic activity along the corridor. It will also generate employment during construction and deliver long-term social and economic benefits to communities along the route.
Construction of Six-Lane Elevated Corridor between Anisabad and Deedarganj (Bihar): MoRTH has also proposed a six-lane elevated corridor with six lanes at grade and a dedicated service road over a 13.37-kilometre stretch between Anisabad and Deedarganj in Bihar. The project aims to address growing traffic volumes in the Patna metropolitan region.
Key features include 4 light vehicular underpasses for local traffic; 91 redesigned intersections; 8 grade separators for uninterrupted mobility; and a continuous service road to reduce congestion and enhance safety.
The corridor is expected to strengthen trade links, improve urban mobility, and support economic growth in the region.
Metro Project
Jaipur Metro Phase 2: Prahladpura–Todi Mod Corridor (Rajasthan): MoHUA has proposed the development of Phase 2 of Jaipur Metro Rail Corporation — a 42.8-kilometre North–South corridor with 36 stations (34 elevated and 2 underground). The alignment will connect key locations such as Haldi Ghati Gate, Sitapura Industrial Area, SMS Hospital, Ambabari, and Vidhyadhar Nagar.
The corridor will integrate with the existing East–West line at Chandpole Station and provide access to Jaipur Junction and the airport, easing traffic congestion and reducing pollution. By connecting nearby satellite towns like Chomu and Chaksu, the project supports transit-oriented development and aligns with Jaipur’s Master Development Plan.
These five projects – spanning railways, highways, and urban transit – are expected to significantly enhance connectivity, logistics efficiency, and economic activity across multiple states. The NPG’s 100th meeting marks a milestone in the government’s continued push toward integrated infrastructure planning under the PM GatiShakti framework, promoting faster, safer, and more sustainable transport networks nationwide.