The 102nd meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) was held on Thursday to review major infrastructure proposals in the road and railway sectors under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan. The discussions centred on improving multimodal connectivity, logistics efficiency and last-mile access to economic and social hubs through an integrated planning approach.
The NPG evaluated three projects — one highway project of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and two railway projects of the Ministry of Railways — for their alignment with PM GatiShakti principles. The projects are expected to reduce travel time, improve transport reliability and generate socio-economic benefits across their catchment areas.
The Ministry of Railways presented a proposal for the construction of a third and fourth railway line between Punarakh and Kiul in Bihar, covering 49.57 kilometres. The section, passing through Patna and Lakhisarai districts, is positioned to strengthen rail capacity in a key industrial and agricultural belt. The enhanced line will support freight and passenger movement linked to major industrial units, including Ultratech Cement Plant, ACC Cement in Warsaliganj, NTPC Barauni, NTPC Super Thermal Power Plant in Barh, the Harnaut Carriage Repair Workshop and the SJVN Power Plant in Chausa. The corridor will also improve logistics for automobile, stone, food processing, petroleum and textile industries across the region. Officials noted that the project will enhance accessibility for Patna, Fatuha, Bakhtiyarpur and Mokama while aiding tourism by improving rail access to sites such as Takhat Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib, Mahavir Mandir and Bihar Museum.
The second Railways proposal involves a new broad-gauge line between Silghat and Dekargaon in Assam, spanning 27.50 kilometres. The route lies close to NH-15 and NH-715, allowing strong synergy between rail and road networks. The project has been planned to improve multimodal transportation, support capacity augmentation and handle increasing freight and passenger volumes. The improved connectivity is expected to foster trade, industrial growth and tourism in Assam and adjoining regions, complementing ongoing development efforts in the Northeast.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways proposed a four-lane elevated corridor between Old Pune Naka and Boramani Naka on National Highway-65 in Solapur, Maharashtra. The 9.66-kilometre project, part of Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-I, includes approach ramps and service roads to streamline urban traffic. The elevated stretch is intended to serve as a dedicated congestion-free route, reducing travel time, improving road safety and lowering vehicular emissions. When completed, the corridor is expected to boost regional connectivity and support economic, religious and cultural activities in Solapur.