PM Gati Shakti is redrawing India’s infra map
NEW DELHI : The 85th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) under the PM Gati Shakti initiative recently assessed five transformative infrastructure projects, comprising two railway projects and three highway development projects that promise to significantly enhance India’s logistics, trade, and connectivity.
Railway Projects: Strengthening Freight and Passenger Movement
Dangoaposi-Jaroli 3rd & 4th Lines
Spanning 85.88 km across Jharkhand and Odisha, this project involves constructing third and fourth railway lines parallel to the existing corridor. These lines are vital for transporting iron ore from the mineral-rich Keonjhar region to industrial hubs and Paradip Port. Additionally, the lines will support the efficient movement of bulk commodities like coal, gypsum, and fertilizers, ensuring seamless logistics for critical industries.
Burhwal-Gonda Kacheri 4th Line
Located in Uttar Pradesh, this 55.75 km fourth rail line complements existing double lines and ongoing third-line work. The project aims to improve connectivity across the Barabanki, Bahraich, and Gonda districts, streamlining freight and passenger traffic. By increasing capacity, the project will facilitate the efficient movement of goods, including coal, cement, fertilisers, and steel, to the Northeast, boosting regional logistics and connectivity.
Highway Projects: Enhancing Regional Integration and Trade
Barabanki-Bahraich NH-927 Corridor
This project involves upgrading a 101.54 km stretch of NH-927 into a 4-lane configuration with six-lane structures. Connecting Lucknow, Shrawasti Airport, NH-27, and the India-Nepal border, the improved highway is set to reduce travel time and bolster trade across Northern India. It will also unlock economic opportunities, supporting industries, tourism, and trade in the region.
Kanpur-Kabrai Greenfield Highway
A 118.8 km, 4-lane Greenfield highway with six-lane structures is planned to connect Kanpur Ring Road to Kabrai on NH-35. With multimodal connectivity to seven railway stations and three airports, the project will enhance accessibility across Kanpur, Hamirpur, and Mahoba districts. It is expected to significantly boost industrial growth, tourism, and regional economic integration in Uttar Pradesh.
Singhana-Titanwar Access-Controlled Highway
This 40.725 km 4-lane access-controlled Greenfield highway along NH-311 will address the limitations of the existing single-to-intermediate lane road in Rajasthan. Connecting Sikar, Nagaur, Jodhpur, and Delhi, the project will streamline freight and passenger movement, strengthen regional trade, and drive economic development across Rajasthan, Haryana, and the Delhi region.
Driving Economic Growth and Connectivity
The evaluated projects underscore the government’s commitment to bolstering India’s infrastructure under the PM Gati Shakti initiative. By enhancing multimodal connectivity, reducing transit times, and improving logistics efficiency, these developments will unlock vast economic potential, support regional integration, and lay the foundation for sustainable growth.
With a focus on collaborative planning and execution, the Network Planning Group continues to play a pivotal role in shaping India’s infrastructure future.