By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: The 82nd meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) under the PM GatiShakti initiative, chaired by Additional Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Shri Rajeev Singh Thakur was held , to evaluate key infrastructure projects across India including Jharsuguda to Sason 3rd – 4th lines Rail Line, Sambalpur to Jarapada Rail Line 3rd – 4th lines in Odisha.
. Representatives from project proponents, Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics(BISAG-N), and nodal officers from respective States participated, focusing on enhancing multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency in alignment with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS NMP).
The NPG evaluated all seven projects based on the core principles of PM GatiShakti, including integrated development of multimodal infrastructure, last-mile connectivity to economic and social nodes, intermodal connectivity, and synchronized project implementation. These projects are anticipated to play pivotal roles in national development by boosting logistical efficiency, reducing travel times, and delivering substantial socio-economic benefits to the regions they serve.The evaluation and anticipated impacts of these projects are detailed below:
Jharsuguda to Sason 3rd & 4th lines Rail Line, Odisha: Spanning a total alignment of 64 km, this rail line enhancement lies within the Jharsuguda-Sambalpur section, a strategic part of Odisha’s industrial corridor that includes the Talcher coalfields and IB Valley (Sundargarh). The project supports the “Mission 3000 MT” target by aiming to double coal transport capacity by 2027, contributing to increased logistics efficiency and freight throughput. This Energy Corridor connects with key economic nodes, including industries in Jharsuguda, Rengali, and Lapanga, and provides links to Paradip and Dhamra Ports for coastal shipping. The line integrates with PM GatiShakti for multimodal infrastructure, incorporating goods sheds at Rengali, Lapanga, and Brundamal, and enhancing connections to NH-49 & SH10.
Sambalpur to Jarapada Rail Line (3rd & 4th lines), Odisha: Spanning a total alignment of 127.2 km, this rail line expansion between Sambalpur and Jarapada is integral to the coal supply chain in Odisha’s industrial region, including the IB Valley and Talcher coalfields. The project aligns with PM GatiShakti’s objectives to double coal transport capacity by 2027 in support of the “Mission 3000 MT” initiative. Key industrial clusters benefiting from this rail line include major Aluminum production facilities in Jharsuguda, Lapanga, Rengali, and Paradip. The rail route also connects efficiently to Paradip and Dhamra ports, providing seamless multimodal logistics and supporting the regional energy sector. Integrated with PM GatiShakti’s framework, the project enhances logistical capacity by connecting to NH-55 and NH-53 for broader industrial access.
