NPG reviews 7 rail and 1 road project to enhance multimodal logistics, cut travel time, support regional growth.
In a major push to strengthen India’s transport backbone, the Network Planning Group (NPG) convened its 105th review meeting on Friday, 19 December 2025, to assess eight major infrastructure proposals under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan.
The proposals, seven rail projects and one key road expansion, focus on improving multimodal connectivity, easing congestion, reducing travel time, and boosting freight efficiency across industrial and economic corridors.
Chaired by the Joint Secretary (Logistics), Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the meeting reiterated the government’s ‘Whole of Government’ approach, ensuring seamless planning between road, rail, air, and industrial development. The projects cover major logistics and production zones across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, and Maharashtra, promising stronger regional growth and a more efficient supply chain ecosystem.
Seven Rail Projects Driving Momentum
Arakkonam–Renigunta | 76.559 km | Tamil Nadu & Andhra Pradesh
A proposed 3rd and 4th line aims to decongest the busy corridor, improve punctuality, and increase freight capacity. Connected to major highways and airports, this project supports India’s “Mission 3000 MT,” boosting multimodal access to industrial hubs across both states.
Erode–Karur | 66.67 km | Tamil Nadu
The doubling proposal is expected to enhance movement of commodities such as coal, cement, steel, and granite while strengthening road–rail connectivity. The project will improve passenger comfort and freight turnaround along one of Tamil Nadu’s key industrial routes.
Guntakal–Bellary | 45.92 km | Andhra Pradesh & Karnataka
Quadrupling this corridor will directly benefit steel and cement clusters served by giants like JSW, Ultratech, ACC, and Kalyani. The proposed line will ease congestion and offer faster freight movement across the mineral belts of Bellary, Tornagallu, Hosapete, and Ginigera.
Guntakal–Wadi | 230 km | Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh & Telangana
A new 3rd and 4th line will expand capacity across a heavy freight corridor that transports coal from Nagpur–Balharshah–Kothagudem to major power plants. With cement industries concentrated along the route, capacity enhancement will reduce bottlenecks and improve rail speeds.
Salem–Karur–Dindigul | 159.26 km | Tamil Nadu
This doubling project promises smoother, faster rail operations across a segment that feeds power stations and major industrial belts. Clusters in Salem, Namakkal, Karur, and Dindigul are expected to benefit through reduced freight cost, higher efficiency, and improved service reliability.
Yadadri–Kazipet (77.958 km) & Ghatkesar–Yadadri (32.448 km) | Telangana
The proposed 3rd, 4th, and additional 4th lines form part of one of Telangana’s busiest rail arteries, supporting passenger and freight traffic across Hyderabad and beyond. With strong links to national highways and proximity to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, the corridor will support expanding industrial demand, especially pharmaceutical clusters.
Talegaon–Uruli | Pune district, Maharashtra
A new electrified, multi-tracking corridor is set to improve access to Pune’s industrial and logistics hubs, including JNPA, JSW Dolvi, MIDC Chakan, and dry ports. The project integrates road, airport, and rail networks, strengthening freight movement across western India.
One Road Project Transforming Connectivity
NH-544D Upgradation | 85.9 km | Andhra Pradesh
The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has proposed widening NH-544D, connecting Vinukonda to Guntur and extending to the Amaravati Outer Ring Road. The highway expansion, four lanes with paved shoulders, is expected to reduce travel time by nearly 52%, while improving freight flow between NH-44 and NH-16.
The project combines 44.6 km brownfield stretches and 41.3 km greenfield segments, supporting urban growth in Narasaraopeta, Guntur, Vijayawada, and Amaravati. Improved safety, tourism opportunities, job creation, and better passenger movement are also key outcomes.
Why These Projects Matter
- Faster freight and passenger movement
- Lower logistics cost
- Greater industrial competitiveness
- Improved supply chain efficiency
- Enhanced socio-economic impact in connected regions
With India redefining logistics efficiency and infrastructure planning through PM GatiShakti, Friday’s project evaluations mark an important step toward a faster, smarter, and more connected transport future.
Source: PIB
