The 102nd meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) was held today to review infrastructure proposals in the road, transport and railway sectors. The session focused on improving multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency in line with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS NMP). The NPG evaluated three projects — one highway project from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and two railway proposals — to assess their conformity to the GatiShakti principles of integrated multimodal planning, last-mile connectivity and a ‘Whole of Government’ approach. These initiatives are expected to enhance logistics efficiency, reduce travel time and deliver wide socio-economic benefits to the surrounding regions. Railway Projects Third and Fourth Line Between Punarakh and Kiul (Bihar) The Ministry of Railways has proposed constructing a third and fourth railway line between Punarakh and Kiul in Bihar, covering around 49.57 kilometres across Patna and Lakhisarai districts. The corridor will expand rail capacity through a major industrial and agricultural belt. It will support major establishments including the Ultratech Cement Plant, ACC Cement (Warsaliganj), NTPC Barauni, NTPC Super Thermal Power Plant (Barh), the Harnaut Carriage Repair Workshop and the SJVN Power Plant (Chausa). Small and medium industries in sectors such as automobiles, marble, stone, food processing, petroleum and textiles are also set to benefit across Fatuha, Patna–Patliputra, Mokama, Barhiya and Lakhisarai. The project aims to provide faster, safer and seamless rail access within Bihar and to other regions. Enhanced connectivity will also support tourism, improving access to key sites such as Mahavir Mandir, Gandhi Sangrahalaya, Khuda Baksh Library, Takhat Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib, Gol Ghar, Bihar Museum and Bapu Tower. New Broad-Gauge Line Between Silghat and Dekargaon (Assam) The Ministry of Railways has proposed a new 27.50-kilometre railway line between Silghat and Dekargaon, connecting stations positioned near opposite banks of the Brahmaputra in Assam. Its alignment, located close to NH-15 and NH-715, will strengthen synergy between road and rail networks. The proposal aims to improve multimodal transport, enabling smoother movement of passengers and freight. Designed for capacity augmentation, the line will support growing rail demand between Dekargaon and New Silghat and foster wider economic development, industrial activity and tourism across Assam and neighbouring regions. It also supports the Government’s broader plan to enhance connectivity across the northeast. Highway Project Four-Lane Elevated Corridor on NH-65 (Maharashtra) MoRTH has proposed a four-lane elevated corridor from Old Pune Naka to Boramani Naka on NH-65 in Solapur, spanning 9.66 kilometres. Part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana (Phase I), the project includes approach ramps and service roads. The corridor will offer a congestion-free route through the city, reduce travel time, enhance safety and help cut vehicular emissions. It will also strengthen regional connectivity and support economic activity as well as religious and cultural tourism in Solapur. The proposal reflects the Ministry’s commitment to urban mobility, sustainable infrastructure and modernisation of the national highway network. The meeting was chaired by the Joint Secretary (Logistics) at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).