109th Meeting of Network Planning Group under PM GatiShakti

New Delhi | February 25, 2026: India’s push for integrated infrastructure planning gathered fresh momentum as the Network Planning Group held its 109th meeting to examine major connectivity proposals under the PM GatiShakti framework. The session took place at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry and focused on accelerating multimodal infrastructure while improving logistics performance nationwide.

During the meeting, four significant proposals were reviewed, including two railway capacity expansion projects, one metro extension and a new greenfield airport. Each proposal was assessed for alignment with the principles of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, particularly integrated planning, last mile connectivity and coordinated inter-ministerial execution.

One of the major proposals involves adding a third rail line between Jalandhar Cantt and Jammu Tawi. Spanning more than 210 kilometers across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, the project is designed to ease congestion on a strategically important corridor. The upgraded route will improve the movement of passengers and freight while also strengthening logistical support to border regions. Agricultural produce, essential commodities and construction materials are expected to move more efficiently once the additional line becomes operational.

Another large scale railway enhancement has been proposed between Manikpur and Itarsi, covering more than 518 kilometers across Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. This stretch is a vital link connecting northern and central India and currently handles heavy passenger and freight traffic. Expanding capacity through a third line is expected to reduce bottlenecks, improve punctuality and enable the introduction of additional train services to meet rising demand. The corridor serves industrial centres, freight hubs and tourist destinations, making it critical for sustained regional growth.

In the northeast, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has proposed the development of a greenfield airport at Doloo near Silchar in Assam. Positioned close to National Highway 27, the upcoming facility aims to address capacity limitations of the existing civil enclave and respond to increasing air travel demand. Once completed, the airport is expected to stimulate economic activity in Cachar district and adjoining areas by strengthening trade, tourism and business connectivity while generating growth across transport, hospitality and logistics sectors.

Urban mobility in Surat is also set for a boost with the proposed extension of Corridor II of the Surat Metro. Put forward by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the 4.4 kilometer elevated stretch will connect Saroli to the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor. Designed as a feeder system, the extension will offer direct integration between metro services and the high speed rail network. The plan also includes improved access through feeder buses and non motorised transport infrastructure, enhancing commuter convenience and supporting sustainable urban transport.

The Network Planning Group’s evaluation highlighted the emphasis on coordinated infrastructure development that reduces travel time, improves efficiency and strengthens economic corridors. By aligning rail, metro and aviation projects with broader national planning objectives, the government aims to build a transport ecosystem that supports growth, resilience and seamless connectivity across regions.

The reviewed projects are expected to deliver tangible socio economic benefits, reinforce national security logistics and create new opportunities for trade and mobility across the country.