Five major railway projects, including the KRCL restructuring, were reviewed by the NPG to enhance multimodal logistics under PM GatiShakti.
The 104ᵗʰ meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) was convened to review infrastructure proposals, placing a strong emphasis on boosting multimodal connectivity and enhancing logistics efficiency in alignment with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS NMP). The NPG evaluated five key rail projects to ensure they conform to the PM GatiShakti principles of integrated infrastructure, last-mile linkage to economic and social centres, and a ‘Whole of Government’ planning approach. These major initiatives are expected to significantly increase logistics efficiency, cut travel times, and deliver substantial socio-economic benefits across the catchment areas of the projects. The meeting was chaired by the Joint Secretary for Logistics, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
The Ministry of Railways proposed several projects focused on laying third and fourth railway lines along high-density corridors to manage growing traffic:
- Gummidipundi and Gudur (Tamil Nadu & Andhra Pradesh): This proposal involves developing a third and fourth line over 89.96 km between Gummidipundi (GPD) and Gudur (GDR). The new lines will pass through the Tiruvallur (Tamil Nadu) and Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh) districts, integrating with existing road networks that connect major industrial hubs. The project is projected to handle 25.07 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of freight, significantly improving logistics for key sectors such as fertilisers, POL (petroleum, oil, and lubricants), containerised cargo, power plants, and cement industries. Furthermore, it will strengthen capacity and support trade movements via Chennai Port.
- Nidadavolu – Duvvada Stations (Andhra Pradesh): The construction of a third and fourth line over 198.10 km between Nidadavolu and Duvvada is targeted at the Howrah–Chennai main line, which is a high traffic density route under the Mission 3000 MT strategy. This expansion aims to accommodate rising freight volumes, particularly coal, gypsum, and fertiliser imports from expanding Andhra Pradesh ports, while also meeting increased demand for passenger services towards Visakhapatnam. The augmented capacity will improve logistics efficiency for major regional industries, including the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, Ramco Cements, and Chettinad Cement.
- Nagda-Mathura Section (Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh & Rajasthan): This project involves constructing third and fourth railway lines across 567.860 km, traversing Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. This stretch is a vital part of the Golden Quadrilateral and High-Density Network-3 (HDN-3), connecting Delhi and Mumbai. As the last un-augmented segment on HDN-3, its completion is crucial for meeting the rising freight and passenger demand outlined in the Mission 3000 MT in the National Rail Plan. The new lines will support freight growth from thermal power plants, petroleum terminals, cement works, and warehousing hubs, reinforcing regional industrial development.
- Ghaziabad Station – New Sitapur Station (Uttar Pradesh): The Ministry of Railways has proposed a third and fourth broad-gauge line over 402.78 km between Ghaziabad and New Sitapur, covering ten districts in Uttar Pradesh. The objective is to ease traffic flow towards the Northern Frontier Railways, improving efficiency for both commuter and freight operations in northern markets. Expected outcomes include reduced logistics costs, enhanced transportation efficiency, and better multimodal access, supported by proximity to key airports like Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi) and Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (Lucknow).
- Konkan Railway Corporation (KRCL) – 3ʳᵈ Financial restructuring (Maharashtra, Goa & Karnataka): A 3ʳᵈ Financial restructuring initiative was proposed to strengthen the financial and operational performance of the Konkan Railway Corporation (KRCL). The plan covers Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka and includes significant infrastructure investments to enhance line capacity, safety, and efficiency. Key works involve building two new tunnels at Pernem and Old Goa and three new crossing stations at Mayem, Neura-O-Grande, and Mookambika Road–Byndoor. These upgrades are specifically designed to reduce congestion, improve operational efficiency, and substantially boost regional connectivity along the route.
SOURCE – PIB
