The Ministry of Commerce and Industry informed that the 103rd meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) was held today to assess key infrastructure proposals aimed at strengthening multimodal connectivity under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan. The meeting, chaired by the Joint Secretary, Logistics,  Department for Promotion of Industry, and Internal Trade, evaluated three major railway projects for their alignment with integrated planning and last-mile connectivity.

 

The NPG reviewed the Barbenda-Damrughutu-Bokaro corridor project in West Bengal and Jharkhand, proposing third and fourth lines to decongest a critical freight route serving major industries including Bokaro Steel Plant and Tata Steel. The initiative is expected to enhance capacity and operational efficiency. In Bihar, the Jamalpur-Munger double line project including a new Ganga bridge and the Jamalpur avoiding line was evaluated for improving connectivity across the Gangetic plains and supporting major industrial hubs.

 

The corridor is expected to facilitate faster, safer rail movement and drive regional economic growth. The Ministry said that the proposed fourth line between Santragachi-Panskura-Kharagpur in West Bengal will strengthen a heavily utilised passenger and freight corridor by reducing delays and improving reliability. It added that these projects will collectively boost logistics efficiency and contribute to balanced regional development.