The 109th meeting of the Network Planning Group was held at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to evaluate infrastructure projects under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS NMP). The panel assessed conformity with integrated multimodal infrastructure, last-mile connectivity and a whole of government approach. The review covered two rail projects, one metro project and one airport project.

The Ministry of Railways proposed a third railway line between Jalandhar Cantt and Jammu Tawi spanning 210.75 km across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir and including 27 stations. The alignment is intended to augment capacity on a strategically important corridor. The project is expected to enhance movement of defence personnel and support trade in agricultural and construction goods.

A second rail proposal envisages a third line between Manikpur and Itarsi covering 518.53 km across Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The addition is expected to increase operational capacity, improve network resilience and enable additional passenger and freight services. Capacity enhancement is regarded as necessary to reduce congestion and support regional economic growth.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation proposed a greenfield airport at Doloo, Silchar adjacent to National Highway NH-27 to address capacity constraints at the existing civil enclave and meet growing demand for air travel. The new airport is anticipated to spur trade, tourism and allied sectors including roads, logistics and hospitality. Enhanced regional connectivity is expected to underpin sustained local development.

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs proposed an elevated four point four km extension of Surat Metro Corridor II Phase I from Saroli to the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high speed rail corridor with three stations and two future stations. The extension is designed as a feeder to provide last-mile links and improve passenger convenience through integrated planning and feeder bus services. Modal integration is expected to enhance urban mobility.

The Network Planning Group emphasised alignment with PMGS NMP objectives and the socio-economic benefits of enhanced multimodal connectivity. Outcomes will inform approvals and implementation sequencing while seeking to optimise logistics efficiency and reduce travel times.