98th Meeting of Network Planning Group evaluates 7 infrastructure projects across Railways, Roads, Logistics and Textiles

98th Meeting of Network Planning Group evaluates 7 infrastructure projects across Railways, Roads, Logistics and Textiles

The Network Planning Group (NPG) has evaluated seven projects — one Road/Highway project of the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), one Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP), three Rail projects, and two Textile Parks under the PM MITRA Scheme — for their conformity with PM GatiShakti principles of integrated multimodal infrastructure, last-mile connectivity to economic and social nodes, and a whole-of-government approach.

These initiatives are expected to boost logistics efficiency, reduce travel times and deliver socio-economic benefits to the catchment areas of the projects.

Ministry of Railways (MoR)

Third and Fourth Line between Bakhtiyarpur and Fatuha (Bihar)

The Ministry of Railways has proposed construction of the third and fourth railway lines between Bakhtiyarpur and Fatuha, covering 24.156 km in Patna district, Bihar. This section is part of a multi-tracking initiative on the Kiul–Patna–Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction corridor (approx. 390 km).

The project will strengthen regional mobility, freight capacity and economic integration, benefiting major industrial establishments including Ultratech Cement Plant, NTPC Super Thermal Power Plant (Barh), Carriage Repair Workshop (Harnaut) and SJVN Power Plant (Chausa), as well as SMEs in automotive, marble, stone, food processing, petroleum and textiles.

The alignment through a fertile agricultural zone will improve market access for farmers, and enhance tourism connectivity to sites in Patna, Rajgir, Bodh Gaya, Nalanda and Bihar Sharif. It will increase passenger capacity, reduce congestion and contribute to economic and social development in Bihar and adjoining regions.

Fourth Line between Tambaram and Chengalpattu (Tamil Nadu)

The Ministry of Railways has proposed a fourth railway line between Tambaram and Chengalpattu, covering 30.021 km within Chengalpattu district, Southern Railway.

The section includes one junction station, four crossing stations and five halt stations. The project aims to augment capacity for rising passenger and freight traffic, improve logistics efficiency, reduce transportation costs and support key industries including cement, thermal power, coal, iron and steel, and agriculture-based sectors.

Fourth Line between Dongargarh and Gondia (Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra)

The Ministry of Railways has proposed a fourth railway line between Dongargarh and Gondia, covering 84.10 km. The project falls under the “Energy Corridor” to improve bulk freight movement efficiency. It will decongest Gondia Junction by creating a bypass and facilitate seamless movement of loaded trains between Durg Junction, Nagpur and Balharshah Junctions.

The project will benefit mining, agriculture and manufacturing sectors, reduce transportation costs and encourage modal shift from road to rail.

For all three railway projects, the NPG recommended upgradation of station infrastructure, passenger amenities, accessibility for persons with disabilities, and development of related facilities including parking, waiting areas and evacuation road connectivity.

Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH)

Widening of NH-39 from Rewa to Churhat Tunnel & Churhat to Sidhi (Madhya Pradesh)

MoRTH has proposed a 54.2 km road corridor connecting Rewa to Churhat to improve connectivity between eastern Madhya Pradesh and the state capital. The project will serve as a vital freight corridor for cement and coal industries in Singrauli, integrating with multiple National Highways, reducing travel time and vehicle operating costs.

Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) Hyderabad (Telangana)

MoRTH has proposed development of an MMLP at Parkibanda village, Medak district, Telangana, spanning 315 acres. The facility will handle 1.47 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo annually from 2028, with capacity to increase to 19.98 MMT by 2070.

The site is strategically located within 50 km of major industrial hubs and offers multimodal connectivity through NH-44 and Manoharabad Railway Station. Upon completion of the Regional Ring Road, the MMLP will have direct access to major freight corridors including Mumbai and JNPT.

Ministry of Textiles

PM MITRA Park – Madhya Pradesh

The Ministry of Textiles has proposed development of the PM Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel Park in Madhya Pradesh within the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor influence zone. The park will provide infrastructure for the full textile value chain and benefit districts including Dhar, Indore, Ratlam, Jhabua and Ujjain.

PM MITRA Park – Tamil Nadu

The Ministry of Textiles has proposed development of a PM MITRA Park in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, spanning 1,052 acres. The park will offer plug-and-play manufacturing units, CETP and STP facilities, training centres, and social amenities.

Both textile projects aim to enhance global competitiveness, create employment, support regional development and strengthen India’s position in the global textile sector, in alignment with PM GatiShakti and Make in India.

The meeting was chaired by Joint Secretary, Logistics, DPIIT, Shri Pankaj Kumar.