New Delhi, 25 February (H.S.): The 109th meeting of the Network Planning Group under PM GatiShakti focused on boosting multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency, scrutinizing two railway lines, one metro extension, and a greenfield airport.Convened by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the session evaluated projects for seamless integration, last-mile access to economic zones, and holistic governance. These initiatives promise slashed logistics costs, shorter travel times, and accelerated socio-economic growth in project vicinities.

Third Line (210.75 km): Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, J&K route via Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Kangra, Pathankot, Kathua, Samba—27 stations to enhance strategic capacity.

Manikpur-Itarsi (518.53 km): UP-MP link through Chitrakoot, Satna, Maihar, Katni, Jabalpur, Narsinghpur, Narmadapuram for northern-central freight surge and decongestion.

Aviation & Urban Transit

Silchar Greenfield Airport: Assam's Dolu near NH-27 to meet rising air demand, modernizing regional links beyond existing enclave limits.

Surat Metro Corridor II Extension: 4.4 km elevated Saroli-Mumbai-Ahmedabad HSR stretch with three stations (two future-ready), fostering urban mobility and HSR feeders.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar