NEW DELHI, September 2025 — India's infrastructure development agenda received a significant boost as the Network Planning Group (NPG) convened for its 99th meeting, reviewing and approving several critical projects aimed at enhancing multimodal connectivity. The deliberations underscored the nation's commitment to strengthening its transportation networks under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, with a particular focus on expanding and upgrading the railway infrastructure.

The NPG assessed four key projects, three of which are railway-focused. These include a new 40.2 km broad gauge line connecting Baramulla and Uri in Jammu & Kashmir, designed to provide vital rail access in a region prone to weather-related road disruptions. Additionally, approval was granted for the doubling of the 73.5 km Qazigund–Badgam line in Jammu & Kashmir, a strategic corridor crucial for military train movements. Further, plans were advanced for a third line between Ludhiana and Jalandhar Cantt, and a fourth line between Ambala Cantt and Sahnewal in Punjab and Haryana, spanning 138 km to alleviate congestion on a high-traffic corridor.

These approved railway initiatives are poised to significantly improve regional connectivity and facilitate the efficient movement of both passengers and freight across northern India. The projects in Jammu & Kashmir are expected to enhance accessibility and support economic activity in border areas, while the upgrades in Punjab and Haryana will bolster capacity on a critical north-south rail artery. The overall aim is to foster greater logistics efficiency and economic integration.

The NPG's decisions reflect a strategic approach to infrastructure investment, prioritizing projects that offer substantial benefits for national development and connectivity. By focusing on these crucial rail upgrades, India continues its push to modernize its transportation backbone, aligning with broader goals of economic growth and improved accessibility across the country.

Source: The Economic Times