Projects Evaluated by the NPG
The NPG reviewed five projects from the Ministry of Railways (MoR), Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). Below is a detailed overview of each project and its anticipated impacts.
Ministry of Railways (MoR)
Quadrupling of Hosapete–Ballari Railway Line (Karnataka)
The Ministry of Railways proposed a 65 km quadruple railway line between Hosapete and Ballari in Karnataka, targeting one of the state’s most industrialized and mineral-rich corridors. This project aims to decongest existing routes, enhance freight capacity, and support the economic growth of the Hosapete–Ballari industrial belt.
- Strategic Importance: The Hosapete–Ballari region is a hub for mining, steel production, power generation, and cement manufacturing. The existing double line operates near saturation due to heavy freight traffic, including iron ore, coal, steel, and cement. Quadrupling the line will ease congestion, accommodate increased freight and passenger traffic, and improve reliability and efficiency.
- Economic Impact: The project will bolster the industrial ecosystem by supporting seamless movement of bulk commodities to domestic and export markets, driving economic growth in the region.
Doubling of Gondia–Jabalpur Railway Line (Madhya Pradesh & Maharashtra)
The Ministry of Railways proposed doubling the 230.5 km Gondia–Jabalpur railway line across Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh to enhance line capacity, reduce congestion, and improve passenger and freight movement in Central India.
- Geographic Coverage: The alignment spans five districts: Gondia (Maharashtra), and Balaghat, Mandla, Seoni, and Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh). It connects key agricultural, mining, and industrial zones, serving as a vital economic and logistic lifeline.
- Strategic Importance: The project addresses bottlenecks in the single-line section, which cause delays in freight handling and slower operations. It supports industries, agriculture, and mineral-rich regions along the Balharshah–Gondia–Jabalpur corridor, facilitating increased movement of coal, steel, cement, and other goods.
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)
Widening of Mahwa–Mandawar Highway (Rajasthan)
The MoRTH proposed upgrading and widening the 50.246 km Mahwa–Mandawar stretch of National Highway 921 in Rajasthan to accommodate rising vehicular traffic and support the region’s growing role as a trade and transit corridor.
- Project Details: The upgraded highway will enhance connectivity between Rajasthan, Delhi NCR, and Haryana, reducing travel time, congestion, and improving road safety.
- Socio-Economic Benefits: The project will lower logistics costs, boost trade efficiency, and create employment during construction. It will also improve access to markets, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities, fostering inclusive regional growth.
Construction of Six-Lane Elevated Road in Anisabad–Deedarganj (Bihar)
The MoRTH proposed a 13.37 km six-lane elevated corridor with six lanes at grade and a service road between Anisabad and Deedarganj in Bihar to address growing traffic volumes and enhance urban mobility in the Patna Metropolitan region.
- Traffic Management Features: The project includes four Light Vehicular Underpasses (LVUPs), 91 redesigned intersections, eight grade separators, and a continuous service road to improve safety and reduce congestion.
- Strategic Importance: The corridor will support regional trade by linking Bihar to neighboring states, facilitate access to industrial and logistic hubs, and enhance quality of life through reduced traffic stress and improved safety.
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)
Jaipur Metro Phase 2: Prahladpura to Todi Mod (Rajasthan)
The MoHUA proposed Jaipur Metro Phase 2, a 42.8 km North–South corridor from Prahladpura to Todi Mod, featuring 34 elevated and two underground stations. The alignment covers key areas like Haldi Ghati Gate, Sitapura Industrial Area, SMS Hospital, Ambabari, and Vidhyadhar Nagar.
- Connectivity Benefits: The corridor will integrate with the operational East–West line at Chandpole Station and connect to Jaipur Junction Metro Station, improving access to railway stations and the airport. It will reduce traffic congestion, vehicle use, pollution, and fuel consumption.
- Regional Impact: The project supports satellite towns like Chomu and Chaksu and aligns with the Jaipur Master Development Plan’s Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) strategy, promoting high-density, mixed-use developments around metro stations.
Conclusion
The 100th NPG meeting underscores the government’s commitment to building resilient, future-ready infrastructure under the PM GatiShakti framework. These projects will enhance multimodal connectivity, reduce logistics costs, and drive socio-economic growth across Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Bihar. By fostering integrated infrastructure development, the NPG ensures that India’s economic and social nodes are seamlessly connected, paving the way for sustainable progress.