New Delhi, Oct 17 – The Network Planning Group met on Friday to review five major infrastructure projects across India, each designed to boost India’s freight and passenger transport under the PM GatiShakti plan. The plan focuses on integrated multimodal links, last‑mile connectivity to business and social hubs, and a whole‑of‑government approach to development.
Railway upgrades that will carry India’s industrial freight
The first two projects upgrade India’s rail network. A 65‑km stretch between Hosapete and Ballari in Karnataka will be quadrupled, adding two tracks to the existing double line. The corridor is a key artery for mining, steel, power and cement, and current capacity is already stretched by heavy iron ore, coal and cement traffic. Quadrupling the track will ease congestion, boost freight volumes and support the fast‑growing industrial belt along Hosapete‑Ballari.
The second rail upgrade stretches 230.5 km from Gondia to Jabalpur, crossing Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. The line, currently a single track, often jams freight trains, causing delays that ripple through eastern and central India’s manufacturing, agriculture and mining supply chains. Adding a second track will cut turnaround times and improve reliability for goods moving across the region.
Highway widening to keep trade moving
Two road projects will widen capacity in Rajasthan and Bihar. In Rajasthan, a 50‑km stretch of National Highway 921 between Mahwa and Mandawar will be widened and upgraded beyond its existing four‑lane width. The area sees growing commercial traffic and the upgraded road will provide a smoother link between Rajasthan, Delhi‑NCR and Haryana.
The Bihar project will create a 13.37‑km six‑lane elevated road, plus an accompanying service road, between Anisabad and Deedargunj in Patna. This new elevated route will streamline freight and passenger flow across the state, strengthen trade corridors linking Bihar to its neighbours, and connect to key industrial and logistics centres.
Jaipur’s new Metro line
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs plans a 42.8‑km North‑South Metro corridor in Jaipur – Phase 2 – stretching from Prahladpura to Todi Mod. It will feature 36 stations, 34 of which will be elevated and two underground, covering major sites such as Haldi Ghati Gate, Sitapura Industrial Area, SMS Hospital and Vidhyadhar Nagar. The line will cross Tonk Road, enabling direct access to Jaipur’s main growth zones, and integrate with the existing East‑West line at Chandpole Station. An additional foot‑over bridge at Jaipur Junction will improve connectivity to the city’s railway and airport hubs.
Benefits expected include reduced traffic congestion, lower vehicle use, cutting emissions and fuel consumption, and making it easier for commuters and freight movers alike.
All five projects align with the PM GatiShakti framework, prioritizing integrated multimodal infrastructure and last‑mile connectivity that drives India’s economic growth.
Source: ianslive
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