Government Reviews Key Infrastructure Projects to Enhance Logistics and Connectivity
Overview of Infrastructure Initiatives
On February 25, the government assessed various infrastructure initiatives from the Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, and Ministry of Civil Aviation. These projects are anticipated to improve logistics efficiency, shorten travel durations, and provide substantial socio-economic advantages to the regions involved.
The 109th session of the Network Planning Group (NPG) convened at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to review these infrastructure proposals.
As per the Commerce Ministry, the focus was on boosting multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency in line with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS NMP).
The NPG examined two railway projects, one metro initiative, and one airport development to ensure they align with the PM GatiShakti principles, which emphasize integrated multimodal infrastructure and last-mile connectivity to economic and social hubs.
One of the proposed projects by the Ministry of Railways involves constructing a third railway line between Jalandhar Cantt and Jammu Tawi, spanning 210.750 km across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir.
This new alignment will feature 27 stations and pass through significant districts such as Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Kangra, Pathankot, Kathua, and Samba.
The project holds considerable strategic, economic, and social importance, serving as a vital asset for national security by facilitating quicker and more dependable transport of defense personnel, equipment, and supplies to border areas.
From an economic standpoint, the initiative is expected to boost trade and commerce by enhancing the transport of agricultural products, construction materials, and essential goods.
Additionally, the Railways Ministry has proposed another third railway line between Manikpur and Itarsi, covering 518.532 km across Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
This alignment will connect key districts including Chitrakoot, Satna, Maihar, Katni, Jabalpur, Narsinghpur, and Narmadapuram, thereby strengthening rail connectivity along a crucial corridor linking northern and central India.
This development is projected to significantly increase operational capacity, enhance network resilience, and allow for the introduction of more train services to accommodate rising traffic demands and alleviate congestion.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has put forward plans for a Greenfield Airport at Doloo, Silchar in Assam, strategically positioned next to National Highway NH-27.
Once operational, this airport is expected to serve as a vital driver for socio-economic growth in Cachar district and its neighboring areas.
In addition, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has proposed an extension of the Surat Metro Corridor II (Phase I) from Saroli to the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (HSR) corridor in Gujarat.
This 4.4-km elevated extension will include three stations, with plans for two additional future stations, aimed at improving urban mobility and enhancing Surat’s integration with regional and national transport systems.