101st Meeting of Network Planning Group under PM GatiShakti Evaluates Key Infrastructure Projects

Projects from Road Transport & Highways and Railways Ministries Reviewed for Multimodal Integration and Logistics Efficiency

New Delhi, November 7: The 101st meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS NMP) was held on Friday to evaluate major infrastructure projects from the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) and the Ministry of Railways (MoR). The meeting focused on strengthening multimodal connectivity, improving logistics efficiency, and promoting integrated planning in line with the “Whole of Government” approach.

Key Road Projects Reviewed

Rehabilitation and Upgradation of NH-160A (Ghoti–Palghar, Maharashtra):
The project spans 154.6 km, connecting industrial clusters in Nashik and adjoining MIDC areas with western coastal ports. The upgraded corridor will serve as an alternate freight route, reducing congestion through Nashik city and enabling seamless port access. The project will also strengthen intermodal connectivity through linkages with nearby railheads and major national highways (NH-60, NH-48, and NH-848).
Expected benefits include improved freight mobility, faster transport of perishables, better port connectivity, and growth in tourism and MSME sectors. The initiative will enhance logistics efficiency and promote balanced regional development across northern and western Maharashtra.

Development of High-Capacity Corridor (Hiwarkhedi–Basinda–Roshni, Madhya Pradesh):
Covering around 300 km, this corridor connects key cities across Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. It aims to enhance interstate connectivity and provide a shorter alternate route between Nagpur and Vadodara, facilitating faster freight and passenger movement.
The project will improve access to industrial and trade hubs such as Barwani, Khargone, Bhikangaon, and the NTPC Super Thermal Power Station at Selda, supporting logistics efficiency and industrial growth. It is expected to catalyze economic activity, lower transport costs, and improve access to markets and administrative centers across central India.

Railway Projects Evaluated

3rd & 4th Line between Gamharia and Chandil (Jharkhand):
The 56 km expansion will ease congestion on the over-utilized Kandra–Chandil section, which operates at 130% capacity. The corridor is crucial for transporting iron ore and raw materials from the Chakradharpur Division to steel plants at Burnpur and Durgapur.
The new lines will significantly increase line capacity, reduce congestion, and improve freight throughput, strengthening mineral logistics and supporting the industrial ecosystem of eastern India.

4th Line between Sainthia and Pakur (West Bengal–Jharkhand):
Spanning 81 km, this “Energy Corridor” will augment capacity on one of the busiest freight routes serving power, cement, and mining industries. The project will enable a modal shift from road to rail, improving reliability and reducing logistics costs.
It will enhance connectivity for major facilities including WBPDCL power plants (Santhaldih, Bakreswar, Sagardighi), Ambuja Cement (Tildanga), and Ultratech Cement (Sonar Bangla Unit), while supporting mining operations at Rajmahal Coalfield and Pachwara Coal Block.

Strengthening Integrated Infrastructure

Chairing the meeting, Pankaj Kumar, Joint Secretary (Logistics), DPIIT, emphasized that these projects exemplify the PM GatiShakti principles of coordinated infrastructure development, last-mile connectivity, and multimodal integration. Once completed, the projects are expected to boost logistics performance, reduce travel time, and deliver wide-ranging socio-economic and industrial benefits across central and eastern India.