Five major proposals from Railways and Highways Ministries receive NPG nod

In a step forward towards strengthening India’s multimodal transport network, the 97th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) was convened to evaluate key infrastructure projects under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan. The inter-ministerial body reviewed five strategic proposals—three from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and two from the Ministry of Railways (MoR)—focused on enhancing last-mile connectivity, easing logistics bottlenecks, and accelerating regional growth.

Of the five proposals reviewed, two are brownfield and three are greenfield projects. All were assessed based on GatiShakti’s core principles of integrated planning, inter-departmental coordination, and socio-economic impact.

The proposed 6-lane Dwarka Tunnel project in Delhi involves constructing an underground passage extending Nelson Mandela Marg towards Gurgaon and Dwarka, connecting NH-8 with the Dwarka Expressway. It will also strengthen the link between the Dwarka Expressway and Urban Extension Road (UER-2), enhancing logistics around major nodes in New Delhi and South Delhi.

Moreover, the Patna–Purnia Expressway, a 244.93 km greenfield corridor in Bihar, aims to offer high-speed (120 km/h) connectivity between Patna and Purnia while integrating regional road and air transport networks, including airports in Darbhanga and Purnia. The project spans six districts, fostering economic inclusion by enabling faster travel, improving defense access, and supporting tourism and industrial logistics.

The Suratgarh–Sri Ganganagar Highway project will upgrade a 75.55 km stretch of NH-62 in Rajasthan from two lanes to four.  The upgrade is expected to stimulate industrial and agricultural growth, with smoother connections for agri-business, textiles, and food processing industries, alongside promoting rural development and regional tourism.

The Kanalus–Okha Line Doubling project will serve both strategic and cultural purposes, linking industrial centers and religious destinations such as the Dwarkadhish Temple and Okha Port. Besides improving passenger services, the project holds defense significance due to its proximity to India’s western coastline and is expected to streamline freight movement across the region.

The meeting was chaired by Shri Pankaj Kumar, Joint Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), who emphasised the alignment of these proposals with national goals of integrated infrastructure and economic upliftment through GatiShakti.