The 92^nd meeting of the NetworkPlanning Group (NPG) was held in New Delhi recently to evaluate infrastructure projectsin the road and rail sectors. In line with the components of the Pradhan MantriGatishakti National Master Plan (PMGS NMP), issues related to enhancingmultimodal connectivity and improving the efficiency of logistics werediscussed in the meeting.

The NPG evaluated a total of four key proposals: onesubmitted by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), andthree submitted by the Union Ministry of Railways (MOR). The compatibility ofthese projects with the core principles of the PMGSY was examined withintegrated multi-modal infrastructure, connectivity to every sector as well asa holistic government and entire sector development approach.

Union Ministry of RoadTransport and Highways (MoRTH): Six/four lane access-controlled highway – Rishikesh diversion.

The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways(MoRTH), through the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), has submitteda proposal for an outer ring adjacent to Rishikesh city to reduce congestion inthe Rishikesh city area and to improve the movement of traffic on the National Highway– 34 connecting Delhi, Meerut, Roorkee, Haridwar, and Badrinath. Alternative routeswill be available to manage traffic as well as improve overall transportationcapacity.

Union Ministry of Railways(MOR):

Bina-Itarsi 4^th railway line (236.97km).

The Union Railway Ministry has proposed a fourthrailway line between the cities of Bina and Itarsi. The route will pass throughimportant stations like Narmadapuram, Rani Kamalapati, Bhopal, Nishatpura, andVidisha.

Kasara-Manmad Multi-Tracking Lines (3^rdand 4^th channels, 2x130.817 km).

The project includes the construction of the thirdand fourth railway lines in two phases – Kasara-Igatpuri in the Northeast Ghats,and Igatpuri-Manmad on the Deccan Plateau. The main objectives of the projectare to maintain a ruling gradient of 100 in this area, eliminate the need forbanking engines, and improve energy efficiency. The project will avoid severalstations and the line merges with the existing Lahavit Station to ensure thatfreight movement takes place more easily.

Bhusawal-Wardha 3^rd and 4^th line(314 km).

The proposed 314-km third and fourth line betweenBhusawal and Wardha will pass through five districts of Maharashtra, namelyJalgaon, Buldana, Akola, Amravati, and Wardha. The project includes new railwaylines, upgradation of stations, reconstruction of yards, and improvements to thesignal system. This line, which is part of the Mumbai-Howrah High-Density Line(HDN-2), is very important in terms of reducing freight traffic congestion andstrengthening the Central Railway network.