Rail and road projects evaluated in the 96th Meeting of Network Planning Group

2025-07-01 Information

The 96th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) was convened today to evaluate key infrastructure proposals in the railway and road transport sectors. The meeting focused on enhancing multimodal connectivity and improving logistics efficiency in alignment with the principles of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS NMP).

A total of four projects were reviewed—three brownfield railway projects proposed by the Ministry of Railways (MoR) and one greenfield road project proposed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). These projects were assessed for their alignment with PM GatiShakti’s core objectives of integrated planning, last-mile connectivity, and intermodal coordination. Once implemented, the projects are expected to reduce travel times, boost logistics efficiency, and generate significant socio-economic benefits across regions.

Ministry of Railways (MoR)

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)

The meeting was chaired by Joint Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) Shri Pankaj Kumar.

Asangaon–Kasara 4th Line
The Ministry of Railways, through Central Railway, has proposed the construction of a fourth railway line between Asangaon and Kasara, covering approximately 34.97 km in Thane district, Maharashtra. The project aims to enhance rail capacity and decongest the existing corridor, critical for both passenger and freight movement. The alignment includes two major bridges, 129 minor bridges, one road overbridge (ROB), and six road underbridges (RUBs). This section forms part of the HDN-2 corridor and serves key industrial hubs including JNPA (97 km), Dighi Port, JSW Dolvi, and warehousing clusters of Amazon, Flipkart, and Adani Logistics.
Doubling between Bakhtiyarpur and Tilaiya
This project involves doubling the 103.528 km railway line from Karnauti to Tilaiya via Rajgir, traversing the districts of Patna, Nalanda, Gaya, and Nawada in Bihar. The alignment passes through major towns such as Bakhtiyarpur, Harnaut, Bihar Sharif, Rajgir, and Hisua. The corridor supports freight movement to the SJVN Chausa power plant and UltraTech Cement plant. It currently handles 28.33 MTPA and is projected to carry an additional 26.02 MTPA by FY 2029–30. The project includes 18 major bridges, 284 minor bridges, four ROBs, and 49 RUBs.
Third and Fourth Line between Delhi and Ambala
The proposal includes construction of third and fourth broad-gauge lines between Delhi and Ambala, covering a total length of 193.60 km. It spans the National Capital Region and Haryana, passing through Sonipat, Panipat, Karnal, Kurukshetra, and Ambala. The 33-station alignment includes 79 RUBs and two ROBs. The corridor connects with major national highways (NH-44, NH-9, NH-48, NH-344GM, NH-152) and improves access to Chandigarh, Ludhiana, and Indira Gandhi International airports. It is expected to benefit agriculture, tourism, and trade while boosting regional economic growth.