New Delhi: Four crucial infrastructure projects were evaluated at the 86th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) recently. The projects — two from the railway sector and two related to highway development — were reviewed for their alignment with the principles of PM GatiShakti.
The NPG underlines the importance of integrated multimodal infrastructure, last-mile connectivity, intermodal coordination, and synchronised project execution. It is hoped that these projects will improve logistical efficiency, shorten travel time, and provide vital socio-economic benefits to the regions they serve.
Vadodara-Ratlam railway route
One of the railway projects reviewed was the quadrupling of the 258.94 km Vadodara-Ratlam route. Adding a third and fourth line will ease congestion on one of Western Railway’s busiest corridors, boosting both freight and passenger capacity. This development is expected to cut delays, enhance connectivity to industrial and port hubs, and strengthen multimodal integration along the Mumbai-New Delhi corridor.
Murarai-Barharwa third line
The second railway project, the Murarai-Barharwa third line (spanning 48.9 km), stretches across West Bengal and Jharkhand. This brownfield project is designed to reduce pressure on the overburdened corridor, which is currently operating at more than 134 percent capacity. The new line will boost punctuality, reduce wait times, and accommodate increased bulk traffic for coal, iron ore, and fertilisers, providing a leg-up to key industries in the region.
Earlier in October 2023, the third railway track connecting Rampurhat and Murarai was completed. Murarai is a small town that plays a role in local administration and development. The station has 3 platforms, and 26 trains stop there. Barharwa is a town in the Rajmahal subdivision of the Sahibganj district in Jharkhand.
Tikamgarh-Badagon-Ghuwara-Shahgarh highway upgrade
In the highway sector, the NPG reviewed the Tikamgarh-Badagon-Ghuwara-Shahgarh highway upgrade (80.7 km) in Madhya Pradesh. This project involves upgrading NH-539 to two lanes with paved shoulders, improving interstate connectivity between Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The project aims to ease congestion, streamline the transport of agricultural produce, and boost tourism in cultural hubs like Orchha.
Sultanpur-Ayodhya greenfield highway
The Sultanpur-Ayodhya greenfield highway, spanning 65 km, is another key project that was taken up. This access-controlled four-lane highway bypasses congested sections along NH-330 in Uttar Pradesh. Developed under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM), the project encompasses flyovers, ROBs, and utility ducts. The corridor is expected to cut travel times, improve safety, and promote tourism around Ayodhya, providing significant benefits to local communities.
