Centre speeds up work on 8 road, railway and metro projects under PM Gati Shakti plan

The government has accelerated the development of critical infrastructure projects under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, aiming to improve connectivity and streamline logistics.

The 89th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) reviewed eight major projects spanning road, railway, and metro networks, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to multimodal transport integration.

Four key road projects have been assessed to enhance regional connectivity and economic growth. One of the major initiatives involves upgrading the Darugiri to Dalu section of NH-62 (New NH-217) in Meghalaya to a two-lane highway with paved shoulders. Covering a distance of 136.11 km, this development will bolster trade and connectivity across East Garo Hills, South Garo Hills, and West Garo Hills.

Another transformative project is India’s first underwater road tunnel beneath the Brahmaputra River, linking Gohpur and Numaligarh. This four-lane tunnel will drastically reduce travel time from 6.5 hours to just 30 minutes, cutting the distance between these locations from 240 km to 34 km. The strategic tunnel will enhance connectivity to Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and other northeastern states.

In Assam, the government is evaluating the expansion of the Kaliabor-Numaligarh section of NH-37/NH-715. This 85.67 km-long project will upgrade the existing two-lane road into a four-lane highway while incorporating ecological features such as an elevated corridor and wildlife crossings to protect the biodiversity of Kaziranga National Park.

Further west, Rajasthan will see improved connectivity with the construction of a two-lane highway from Mayjilar to Jaisalmer, including a bypass link road. Spanning 138.177 km along NH-11 and NH-70, this project will enhance road safety, promote tourism, and support defense logistics.

The rail sector will witness significant expansion with three major projects aimed at easing congestion and improving freight movement. One of these is the addition of a third and fourth railway line along the Badlapur-Karjat route, covering a distance of 32.460 km. This project will address the growing demand for passenger and freight movement along the Mumbai-Pune-Solapur-Wadi-Chennai corridor, benefiting key locations like Badlapur, Vangani, and Karjat.

In Odisha, the government is focusing on a fourth rail line from Nergundi to Cuttack, alongside a flyover at Nergundi. The 15.99 km-long project will facilitate smoother freight movement, particularly benefiting industries reliant on Paradip Port and Talcher coalfields.

Additionally, a railway doubling project from Haridaspur to Paradip, covering 74.09 km, aims to increase freight capacity. This initiative will support seamless coal transportation from Talcher to Paradip Port while boosting industrial activity in Odisha’s Angul-Jharsuguda corridor.

These infrastructure advancements under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan are expected to significantly improve logistics, reduce travel time, and drive economic growth at regional and national levels. The government remains committed to strengthening connectivity across diverse sectors to bolster India’s development trajectory.