Metro Expansions, New Airport In Focus As PM GatiShakti Panel Evaluates Key Infrastructure Projects

The 94th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) was held on Wednesday (28 May) to evaluate key infrastructure proposals in the metro rail and civil aviation sectors.

The projects were assessed for alignment with the principles of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS-NMP), with a focus on enhancing multimodal connectivity, last-mile integration, and intermodal coordination to improve logistics efficiency and socio-economic outcomes, the Commerce Ministry said in a statement.

A total of five infrastructure proposals were evaluated—four Metro Rail projects proposed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), and one Greenfield Airport project proposed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA).

The projects evaluated at the meeting include:

Delhi-NCR Metro Projects to Ease Congestion, Enhance Interchange Links

• Aerocity–IGD T-1 Extension: A proposed 2.16 km underground link from the Aerocity–Tughlakabad corridor to Indira Gandhi Domestic Terminal-1 will improve airport access and serve key residential zones like Mehrauli and Vasant Kunj. The connection will also enhance airport access and regional transit, especially for commuters from Faridabad via the Tughlakabad interchange.

• Magenta Line Extension (Line 8): The 9.9 km fully underground route from Ramakrishna Ashram Marg to Indraprastha will connect major destinations including Central Vista, India Gate, and Pragati Maidan. A new station at India Gate will offer a sustainable alternative to private transport in central Delhi.

• Golden Line Extension (Line 10): The proposed 9 km elevated corridor will pass through Ali Village, Ali Vihar, and Madanpur Khadar. It will facilitate an important interchange at Kalindi Kunj with the existing Magenta Line, linking the Violet and Magenta lines. This corridor will improve airport access and connectivity between Noida, Greater Noida, and the rest of Delhi, enhancing travel convenience and commuter efficiency.

• Noida-Greater Noida West Corridor: Spanning 17.4 km (7.263 km in Noida and 10.172 km in Greater Noida), this route will connect Noida Sector-51 with Knowledge Park V in Greater Noida, easing commuter pressure in the fast-growing urban sectors in the city.

Bundi Greenfield Airport to Serve Kota's Growing Aspirations

The Ministry of Civil Aviation’s proposal for a new Greenfield Airport near Bundi, Kota, was also reviewed.

The ministry has proposed a Greenfield Airport spread over approximately 400 acres to meet growing air travel demand in the Kota region.

The airport will accommodate A321-200 type aircraft and feature a modern terminal building with capacity for 500 arrivals and 500 departures during peak hours.

Additional infrastructure will include a runway, apron, taxiways, isolation bay, technical block, ATC tower, fire station, and support facilities.

The airport is expected to boost economic growth, tourism, and trade, and will particularly benefit lakhs of students and families who travel to Kota—now a national hub for competitive exam preparation.

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