Metro rail, highway, and logistics projects reviewed at 95th NPG meeting under PM GatiShakti Plan

India is making significant strides in transforming its supply chain and logistics landscape through integrated infrastructure development. In a major boost to the country’s multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency, the 95th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan reviewed five critical infrastructure proposals aimed at enhancing supply chain management and last-mile connectivity.

Among the key projects evaluated was the Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project Phase-2A, proposed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). This 6.032-kilometre metro extension from Koteshwar Metro Station to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is designed to improve urban mobility and streamline commuter traffic to the airport. With strong integration between the urban transport network and airport infrastructure, this metro expansion aligns with digital supply chain goals by reducing congestion and improving transport logistics in Ahmedabad.

In a move set to transform port logistics and cargo movement, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) presented two major highway proposals. The first is an 8-lane access-controlled highway along NH-248S to connect with the upcoming Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra. This highway is expected to support over 57,000 passenger car units (PCUs) daily by 2030, offering seamless freight connectivity with the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway and NH-48. The initiative is a cornerstone of India’s ambition to become a global logistics hub.

The second highway initiative involves a 4-lane elevated corridor in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, spanning 7.63 kilometers from Mahamandir to Akhaliya Chouraha. Positioned along NH-62 and NH-125, this elevated road will bypass 28 traffic junctions and cut down peak-hour travel time by nearly 20 minutes, enhancing intra-city logistics efficiency and urban freight movement.

Two strategic multi-modal logistics parks (MMLPs) integral to the future of supply chain tracking and freight consolidation were also reviewed.

The MMLP Hyderabad, located in Parkibanda village in Telangana’s Medak district, will span 315 acres and is designed to handle 1.47 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo annually by 2028, scaling up to 20 MMT by 2070. Its proximity to NH-44, Manoharabad Railway Station, and the Regional Ring Road positions it as a vital logistics hub in Southern India, supporting digital supply chain management and smart freight. operations.

In Eastern India, the proposed MMLP Patna in Jaitiya village (Fatuah Taluka, Bihar) will cover 106 acres and manage 5.43 MMT of cargo annually by 2071. Its strategic location near Top Sarthua Railway Station, Patna Airport, and major highways enhances regional trade and connectivity with Kolkata and Haldia Port, strengthening the logistics infrastructure in Bihar and neighbouring states.

These projects are expected to be key talking points in upcoming supply chain leadership summits and logistics conferences in India, as they reflect the nation's progress in building a digitally integrated, multimodal supply chain ecosystem. With growing emphasis on SCM innovations, electronic supply chain management, and supply chain financing, India is positioning itself for a new era of logistics modernization.