92nd Meeting of Network Planning Group under PM GatiShakti Evaluates Key Aspects
The 92nd meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) took place today in New Delhi, focusing on critical infrastructure projects in the Road and Railway sectors. The discussions aimed to enhance multimodal connectivity and improve logistics efficiency, aligning with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan. Four significant proposals were evaluated, including one from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and three from the Ministry of Railways, all designed to boost socio-economic development and reduce travel times.
Road Transport Initiatives
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) presented a major proposal for a bypass around Rishikesh. This project aims to alleviate congestion in the city and improve traffic flow on National Highway 34, a vital route connecting major cities such as Delhi, Meerut, Roorkee, Haridwar, and Badrinath. The proposed bypass will feature a six/four-lane elevated corridor along with an additional four-lane road. This infrastructure is expected to provide alternative routes, enhancing overall capacity and managing future traffic demands effectively. The project is strategically important as it links key religious and industrial hubs, including Haridwar, Dehradun, and various strategic border points.
Railway Expansion Projects
The Ministry of Railways (MoR) introduced several significant projects aimed at improving rail connectivity and freight operations. One of the key proposals is the construction of a fourth railway line between Bina and Itarsi, which will cover 236.97 kilometers and connect major stations such as Narmadapuram, Rani Kamalapati, and Bhopal. This new line is expected to reduce transit times by approximately 46 minutes and increase the sectional speed by 10 km/h, thereby enhancing the efficiency of rail logistics.
Another notable project involves the construction of third and fourth railway lines between Kasara and Manmad, spanning 130.817 kilometers. This initiative focuses on maintaining a ruling gradient of 1 in 100, which will eliminate the need for banking engines and improve energy efficiency. The alignment will bypass several stations and merge with the existing line at Lahavit station, facilitating smoother freight movement.
Further Developments in Railway Infrastructure
Additionally, the NPG evaluated a proposal for the construction of third and fourth railway lines between Bhusawal and Wardha, covering a distance of 314 kilometers. This project will traverse five districts in Maharashtra and includes upgrades to existing railway tracks, station enhancements, yard reconfiguration, and improvements in signaling systems. As part of the Mumbai-Howrah high-density corridor, this route is crucial for decongesting freight traffic and strengthening the Central Railway network.
The meeting was chaired by Shri Pankaj Kumar, Joint Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), emphasizing the government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and connectivity across the nation. The initiatives discussed are expected to yield significant socio-economic benefits, improving logistics and travel efficiency throughout the regions involved.
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