News Brief

Additional Railway Tracks In Busy Routes, Interstate Road Connectivity Between MP And UP Reviewed Under PM GatiShakti

Arjun BrijJan 27, 2025, 03:01 PM | Updated 03:01 PM IST
Representative image

Representative image


The 86th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG), chaired by E Srinivas, Joint Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), evaluated four key infrastructure projects on 24 January, according to ANI.

The projects, two from the railway sector and two related to highway development were assessed for alignment with the principles of PM GatiShakti, according to a Ministry of Commerce and Industry release.

The NPG underlines the importance of integrated multimodal infrastructure, last-mile connectivity, intermodal coordination, and synchronised project execution.

These projects are expected to enhance logistical efficiency, reduce travel time, and bring significant socio-economic benefits to the regions they serve.

One of the railway projects reviewed was the quadrupling of the Vadodara-Ratlam route (258.94 km). The addition of a third and fourth line will alleviate congestion on one of Western Railway’s busiest corridors, boosting freight and passenger capacity.

This development is anticipated to reduce delays and improve connectivity to industrial and port hubs, while also enhancing multimodal integration along the Mumbai-New Delhi corridor.

The new line will improve punctuality, reduce wait times, and handle additional bulk traffic for coal, iron ore, and fertilisers, benefiting key industries in the region.

In the road sector, the NPG evaluated 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, enhancing inter-state connectivity between Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

It aims to reduce congestion, facilitate the transport of agricultural produce, and boost tourism in culturally significant locations such as Orchha.

Another critical project assessed was the Sultanpur-Ayodhya greenfield highway (65 km). This access-controlled four-lane highway bypasses congested areas along NH-330 in Uttar Pradesh.

Built under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM), it features flyovers, ROBs, and utility ducts. The corridor is expected to shorten travel times, improve safety, and stimulate tourism around Ayodhya, benefiting local communities.

These projects, upon completion, are poised to strengthen India’s infrastructure network and ensure seamless connectivity across the nation.

Join our WhatsApp channel - no spam, only sharp analysis