NPG’s 101st Meet Reviews Key Highway and Railway Projects to Boost India’s Connectivity

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Key Highlights:

• The 101st NPG meeting reviewed 4 major projects.

• Focus on multimodal connectivity under PM GatiShakti.

• 3 highway and 1 railway project assessed.

• Projects cover Maharashtra, MP, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.

• Aim to boost freight efficiency and reduce congestion.

The 101st meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) was recently held to review and assess major infrastructure projects under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan. The session was chaired by Pankaj Kumar, Joint Secretary (Logistics), Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

The meeting’s main goal was to accelerate the development of integrated transport and logistics networks that can ensure seamless connectivity across India. The NPG emphasized the importance of multimodal connectivity and evaluated how proposed projects could reduce congestion, bridge last-mile gaps, and boost freight efficiency in line with the “Whole of Government” approach.

Review of Four Major Infrastructure Projects

The NPG reviewed four key projects, including three highway projects and one railway project, proposed by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) and the Ministry of Railways (MoR). All the projects aim to enhance multimodal transport, improve logistics flow, and strengthen economic linkages between major regions.

Maharashtra Project: NH 160A Upgradation from Ghoti to Palghar

In Maharashtra, the project involves the rehabilitation and upgradation of National Highway 160A, which connects Ghoti to Palghar, covering 154.6 km.

• The project will serve as an alternate freight corridor between Nashik’s industrial areas and western ports.

• It will reduce traffic load on urban roads and enhance port accessibility, facilitating faster movement of goods.

Madhya Pradesh Projects: Enhancing Central India’s Road Network

Two major highway development projects in Madhya Pradesh were reviewed, covering nearly 300 km along the Hiwarkhedi–Basinda–Roshni and Ashapur–Rudhy (Betul–Khandwa) routes.

• These roads are expected to improve connectivity between central and western India.

• The upgraded routes will support industrial zones and economic corridors, ensuring smoother freight and passenger movement.

Jharkhand Project: New Rail Lines to Ease Congestion

In Jharkhand, the NPG evaluated the construction of the third and fourth railway lines between Gamharia and Chandil, spanning 56 km.

• This project is designed to decongest a vital mineral and industrial corridor.

• It will also enhance freight mobility, particularly benefiting industries that rely on bulk transport, such as mining and steel.

West Bengal–Jharkhand Project: Fourth Rail Line for Energy Corridor

A fourth rail line between Sainthia and Pakur, covering 81.2 km across West Bengal and Jharkhand, is also under consideration.

• This expansion will increase capacity along the high-demand Energy Corridor.

• The project will particularly benefit the power, cement, and mining industries that depend on this critical route.

Commitment to Integrated Infrastructure Development

Through its 101st session, the Network Planning Group (NPG) has reaffirmed its mission to ensure that infrastructure planning remains coordinated, multimodal, and future-ready.

By aligning road and railway projects under the PM GatiShakti framework, India aims to build a faster, more efficient, and interconnected transport network, which will strengthen logistics efficiency and drive economic growth across states.

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CMV360 Says

The 101st NPG meeting marks another step forward in India’s infrastructure growth journey. By reviewing key road and rail projects across multiple states, the government aims to strengthen multimodal transport, reduce congestion, and improve logistics efficiency. These efforts under PM GatiShakti will help build a seamless, faster, and more connected national transport network, boosting trade, industry, and regional economic development.