PM Gati Shakti: NPG Sanctions Four Railway Infrastructure Projects To Enhance Line Capacity And Cut Logistics Costs

The Network Planning Group (NPG) under the PM Gati Shakti initiative has approved four infrastructure projects related to the Indian Railways, an official statement said on Friday (7 April).

The four projects sanctioned by the NPG include:

• Construction of broad-gauge double line between Sawai Madhopur and Jaipur in Rajasthan

• Broad-gauge line between Junagarh to Nabarangpur station in Odisha

• Broad-gauge line between Anand Nagar Ghughuli via Maharajganj on Northeastern Railway in Uttar Pradesh

• Provision of automatic block signalling on freight dense high-utilisation network on Western Railway

"NPG under PM Gati Shakti at its 46th session examined and recommended four infrastructure projects," the Commerce and Industry Ministry said, adding that these projects will be developed in tandem with PM Gati Shakti principles using the integrated and holistic approach.

Earlier during the 45th session of NPG, three projects were proposed by the Ministry of Railways.

This included construction of elevated railway track for Kanpur Anwarganj–Mandhana — a city logistics project which aims to enhance line capacity for railways and improve logistics in the area.

Additionally, the ministry proposed construction of rail bridge across river Ganga, with the new railway line connecting Vikramshila to Katareah railway station.

This project aims to improve connectivity for the transportation of food grains, cement, coal and quarry products to various economic nodes in North Bihar and Northeast region.

A proposal for the 178.28 km Ajmer-Chittaurgarh railway line was reviewed, which would primarily benefit the industrial and tribal areas of Rajasthan.

PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan

The PM Gati Shakti NMP works on the guiding principles of minimising disruptions, ensuring quick completion of work with cost efficiency.

The PM Gati Shakti NMP was launched in October 2021, with the objectives of holistically integrating the interventions of various ministries and departments, and addressing the gaps to ensure seamless movement of people, goods and services.

The NPG consists of heads of the network planning wing of respective infrastructure ministries and will assist the Empowered Group of Secretaries, which is headed by the cabinet secretary.

The group aims to guide all the departments and ministries responsible for creation of economic zones and connectivity infrastructure, starting from the planning phase, and will play a crucial role in the required coordination between the ministries and departments.

The masterplan also has a digital component in the form of a GIS platform, which integrates the geospatial data related to the infrastructure in the country and planning portals of various ministries and departments.