Gati Shakti's Green Light: India's Infrastructure Gets a Major Boost

The Network Planning Group (NPG), under the PM Gati Shakti initiative, has reviewed seven critical infrastructure proposals across the railways, roads, logistics, and textiles sectors aimed at improving connectivity and boosting freight efficiency.

The Ministry of Railways presented three major rail expansion projects:

Bakhtiyarpur–Fatuha (Bihar): Construction of third and fourth lines along a 24.156 km stretch, part of a broader 390 km multi-tracking plan to reduce congestion and support key sectors such as cement, power, textiles, agriculture, and tourism.

Tambaram–Chengalpattu (Tamil Nadu): A proposed 30.021 km fourth line to handle growing passenger and freight traffic, helping to lower logistics costs in the region.

Dongargarh–Gondia (Chhattisgarh–Maharashtra): A new 84.10 km fourth line in the Energy Corridor to improve bulk freight movement and ease congestion at Gondia Junction.

The NPG recommended incorporating station upgrades, improved accessibility, and enhanced passenger amenities into all proposed rail projects.

Additionally, the review covered a road infrastructure project — widening a 54.2 km section of NH-39 from Rewa to Sidhi via the Churhat Tunnel in Madhya Pradesh. This upgrade is expected to improve freight flow, particularly for cement and coal transport.

The group also discussed a logistics park proposal aimed at strengthening last-mile connectivity and delivering broader socio-economic benefits, in line with the objectives of integrated infrastructure development.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.