DPIIT: Rail and Road Projects Reviewed in 96th Meeting of Network Planning Group to Boost Multimodal Connectivity Under PM GatiShakti Scheme
The 96th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) was held on July 1, 2025, to evaluate four important infrastructure proposals to increase multimodal connectivity and logistics transport efficiency. The meeting was chaired by Shri Pankaj Kumar, Joint Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
The reviewed projects include three brownfield railway projects proposed by the Ministry of Railways (MoR) and one greenfield road project by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
All projects align with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan’s (PMGS NMP) objectives of integrated development, last-mile connectivity, and economic growth.
Ministry of Railway Projects
Ministry of Railways proposed the Asangaon–Kasara fourth line in Maharashtra to lift rail traffic congestion in the Thane district. This 34.97 km stretch includes multiple bridges and underpasses and connects with major logistics hubs including JNPA, Dighi Port, and warehousing clusters of Amazon, Flipkart, and Adani Logistics.
Also read:- Indian Railways: Vande Bharat Sleeper Express Trains to Launch by mid-2026, Promises High-Speed Journey with Comfort for Long-Distance Travel
The second railway project is focused on doubling the 103.528 km railway line between Karnauti and Tilaiya in Patna, Bihar. The alignment passes through major towns such as Bakhtiyarpur, Harnaut, Bihar Sharif, Rajgir, and Hisua.
According to the PIB report, the corridor supports freight movement to the SJVN Chausa power plant and the 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.
The third proposal includes third and fourth broad-gauge lines between Delhi and Ambala over 193.60 km of length. It spans the National Capital Region and Haryana, passing through Sonipat, Panipat, Karnal, Kurukshetra, and Ambala. This will improve the connectivity with major national highways (NH-44, NH-9, NH-48, NH-344GM, NH-152) and Chandigarh, Ludhiana, and Indira Gandhi International airports. It is expected to benefit agriculture, tourism, and trade while boosting regional economic growth.
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)
MoRTH has proposed the four-laning of the 82.4 km Mokama–Munger section of National Highway-80 in Bihar. Developed under the Hybrid Annuity Model, it will improve regional connectivity links between NH-33, NH-31, and SH-18, reduce travel time, and smooth freight movement in the region.
All four projects were assessed for multimodal connectivity, logistics efficiency, and economic impact.
