Government Reviews Key Rail, Metro and Airport Projects at 109th NPG Meet Under PM GatiShakti Plan

Government Reviews Key Rail, Metro and Airport Projects at 109th NPG Meet Under PM GatiShakti Plan​

Focus on Multimodal Connectivity and Logistics Efficiency​

New Delhi, February 25: The government has reviewed a set of major infrastructure proposals spanning railways, urban transport, and aviation, with an emphasis on strengthening logistics efficiency and cutting travel time. The projects were evaluated at the 109th meeting of the Network Planning Group held at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade.

According to the Commerce Ministry, the review aligned with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, focusing on integrated multimodal infrastructure, last mile connectivity to economic and social nodes, and a Whole of Government approach.

The Network Planning Group assessed two railway projects, one metro extension, and one greenfield airport proposal to ensure conformity with PM GatiShakti principles and national connectivity goals.

Third Railway Line Between Jalandhar Cantonment and Jammu Tawi​

One of the key proposals from the Ministry of Railways involves the construction of a third railway line between Jalandhar Cantonment and Jammu Tawi. The project spans 210.750 km across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir.

The alignment will include 27 stations and pass through major districts such as Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Kangra, Pathankot, Kathua, and Samba.

The project carries strategic significance, particularly in enabling faster and more reliable movement of defense personnel, equipment, and supplies to border regions. Economically, it is expected to strengthen trade and commerce by improving the transportation of agricultural produce, construction materials, and essential goods.

Third Railway Line Between Manikpur and Itarsi​

The Railways Ministry has also proposed a third railway line between Manikpur and Itarsi, covering 518.532 km across Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

The proposed alignment will traverse key districts including Chitrakoot, Satna, Maihar, Katni, Jabalpur, Narsinghpur, and Narmadapuram. This corridor is considered vital for enhancing rail connectivity between northern and central India.

The project is expected to significantly boost operational capacity, improve network resilience, and allow the introduction of additional train services. It is also aimed at easing congestion and meeting growing traffic demand along this critical route.

Greenfield Airport Proposed at Doloo, Silchar​

In the aviation segment, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has proposed the development of a greenfield airport at Doloo in Silchar, Assam. The site is strategically located adjacent to National Highway NH 27.

Once operational, the airport is expected to serve as a catalyst for socio economic development in the Cachar district and surrounding regions, strengthening regional connectivity and supporting economic activity.

Surat Metro Corridor II Extension to HSR Corridor​

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has proposed an extension of Surat Metro Corridor II Phase I from Saroli to the Mumbai Ahmedabad High Speed Rail corridor in Gujarat.

The 4.4 km elevated extension will include three stations, with provisions for two future stations. The project is designed to enhance urban mobility in Surat while integrating the city more closely with regional and national transport networks.

Integrated Infrastructure Push Under PM GatiShakti​

The evaluation of these projects at the 109th Network Planning Group meeting underscores the government’s continued focus on coordinated infrastructure planning. By prioritizing multimodal integration, last mile connectivity, and logistics efficiency, the proposed rail, metro, and airport projects are positioned to deliver strategic, economic, and socio economic gains across multiple regions of the country.