The 90th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) was held in Delhi on Thursday to assess key infrastructure projects in the Road, Railway, and Metro sectors. The discussion centred on advancing multimodal connectivity and improving logistics efficiency in line with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS NMP), as stated by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

Five projects were reviewed during the meeting, including two road projects, two railway projects, and one metro project. These initiatives are aimed at boosting logistics efficiency, reducing travel times, and delivering significant socio-economic benefits.

Among the road projects, the first involves the upgradation of NH-165 from Aakiveedu to Digamarru in Andhra Pradesh. The highway will be upgraded to a 2/4-lane paved shoulder configuration to improve connectivity between NH-216 and NH-65, reducing congestion and enhancing road safety. The second project focuses on NH-754K from Lakhpat to Santalpur in Gujarat, which will be transformed into a 2-lane road with paved shoulders. This project aims to improve access to Bhuj Railway Station and New Bhuj Airport, enhancing regional connectivity.

For the railway sector, the Ministry of Railways has proposed the construction of a new 101.26 km Broad Gauge railway line between Jajpur-Keonjhar Road and Dhamara Port in Odisha. This line will boost freight movement and passenger connectivity between industrial clusters, coal fields, and Dhamara Port. Additionally, the Furkating–New Tinsukia Doubling Project in Assam will double the 193.89 km railway section as part of the Lumding–Tinsukia–Dibrugarh Doubling Project to improve passenger and freight movement.

In the metro sector, the Noida Metro Rail Corridor will be extended from Sector 142 to Botanical Garden, covering 11.56 km. This project aims to enhance urban mobility by connecting Noida’s Aqua Line with Delhi Metro’s Blue Line, providing seamless transit for commuters.