109th NPG meeting focuses on multimodal connectivity, logistics boost

The Centre on Wednesday reviewed a series of key infrastructure proposals under the PM GatiShakti framework, evaluating projects from the Ministries of Railways, Housing and Urban Affairs, and Civil Aviation that are expected to enhance logistics efficiency, cut travel time and generate significant socio-economic gains.The 109th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) was held at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade to assess the proposals. According to the Commerce Ministry, the deliberations focused on strengthening multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency in line with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan.
The NPG examined two railway projects, one metro project and one airport project for their alignment with PM GatiShakti principles, including integrated multimodal infrastructure, last-mile connectivity to economic and social nodes, and a “Whole of Government” approach, according to information.
Among the major proposals, the Ministry of Railways put forward a plan to construct a third railway line between Jalandhar Cantt and Jammu Tawi, spanning 210.750 km across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. The alignment is set to include 27 stations and pass through key districts such as Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Kangra, Pathankot, Kathua and Samba.The project is seen as strategically significant, particularly for national security, as it would facilitate faster and more reliable movement of defence personnel, equipment and supplies to border regions. “From an economic perspective, the project will enhance trade and commerce by improving the transportation of agricultural produce, construction materials, and essential goods,” the ministry said.
In addition, the Railways Ministry proposed a third railway line between Manikpur and Itarsi, covering 518.532 km across Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The corridor will pass through districts including Chitrakoot, Satna, Maihar, Katni, Jabalpur, Narsinghpur and Narmadapuram, strengthening connectivity between northern and central India.The project is expected to boost operational capacity, improve network resilience and enable the introduction of additional train services to address rising passenger and freight traffic, thereby easing congestion on the existing route.On the aviation front, the Ministry of Civil Aviation proposed the development of a greenfield airport at Doloo in Silchar, Assam, located near National Highway 27. Once operational, the airport is expected to act as a catalyst for socio-economic development in Cachar district and adjoining areas by improving regional connectivity and supporting trade, tourism and investment.