Network Planning Group Reviews 5 Railway Expansion Projects Under PM Gatishakti

(MENAFN- KNN India) New Delhi, Dec 9 (KNN) The Network Planning Group (NPG) chaired by the Joint Secretary (Logistics), Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) on Monday reviewed major railway proposals aimed at strengthening multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan.

Gummidipundi–Gudur Third and Fourth Line (Tamil Nadu & Andhra Pradesh)

The Ministry of Railways proposed an additional third and fourth line along the 89.96-km Gummidipundi–Gudur corridor, spanning Tiruvallur and Tirupati districts.

The stretch benefits from strong road connectivity to industrial hubs and is expected to support seamless multimodal freight movement.

The upgraded lines are projected to handle 25.07 MTPA, diverting freight traffic to the newly sanctioned Gummidipundi–Sullurupeta–Gudur section and enhancing cargo flows for fertilisers, POL, containers, cement, and power plants, while strengthening links to Chennai Port.

Financial and Operational Strengthening of Konkan Railway (Goa, Maharashtra & Karnataka)

The NPG assessed a proposal for the third financial restructuring of Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL), aimed at improving financial stability and operational performance.

The plan includes construction of 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 expected to ease congestion, expand line capacity, enhance safety, and improve regional connectivity along the Konkan route.

Nidadavolu–Duvvada Third and Fourth Line (Andhra Pradesh)

The 198.10-km Nidadavolu–Duvvada section, part of the Howrah–Chennai main line, is slated for additional lines to accommodate rising freight under the Mission 3000 MT strategy.

Increasing coal, gypsum, and fertiliser imports through Andhra Pradesh ports, alongside growing passenger demand, necessitate capacity expansion.

The new lines will improve freight movement to industries such as Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, Ramco Cements, and Chettinad Cement, while enhancing passenger services.

Nagda–Mathura Third and Fourth Line (Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh & Rajasthan)

The 567.86-km Nagda–Mathura stretch, part of the Golden Quadrilateral and High-Density Network-3 (HDN-3) on the Delhi–Mumbai route, remains the only un-augmented segment on HDN-3.

The proposed expansion aims to meet increasing freight and passenger demand, supporting thermal power plants, petroleum terminals, fertiliser and cement units, and warehousing hubs.

The project is expected to increase carrying capacity and reduce congestion on one of India's busiest rail corridors.

Ghaziabad–New Sitapur Third and Fourth Line (Uttar Pradesh)

The Railways has proposed a third and fourth broad-gauge line along the 402.78-km Ghaziabad–New Sitapur corridor, covering ten districts. The project seeks to ease traffic toward the Northern Frontier Railway and improve commuter and freight efficiency.

Strong road networks linking industrial zones, agricultural mandis, and logistics centres, along with proximity to Delhi, Bareilly, and Lucknow airports, will further enhance regional mobility and multimodal connectivity.

(KNN Bureau)

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