New tracks for Bhusawal–Wardha Lines
The 92nd meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) has evaluated three rail projects and a highway during its meeting held on 29 April for enhancing multimodal connectivity and improving logistics efficiency, in line with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS NMP) https://www.commerce.gov.in/.
Ministry of Railways (MoR)
The proposed 314-km 3rd and 4th lines between Bhusawal and Wardha pass through five Maharashtra districts — Jalgaon, Buldhana, Akola, Amravati, and Wardha. The project includes new railway tracks, station upgrades, yard reconfiguration, and signaling improvements. As part of the Mumbai–Howrah high-density corridor (HDN-2), this route is critical for decongesting freight traffic and strengthening the Central Railway network.
Bina–Itarsi 4th Railway Line (236.97 km)
The MoR has proposed a 4th railway line between Bina and Itarsi, traversing key stations such as Narmadapuram, Rani Kamalapati, Bhopal, Nishatpura, and Vidisha. This alignment includes 32 stations and aims to improve freight operations. The project is expected to reduce transit time by approximately 46 minutes and increase sectional speed by 10 km/h, contributing to faster and more efficient rail logistics https://ted.europa.eu/en/.
Kasara–Manmad Multi-Tracking Lines (3rd & 4th Lines, 2×130.817 km) https://www.conexpoconagg.com/
This project involves construction of 3rd and 4th railway lines across two sections: Kasara–Igatpuri in the Northeastern Ghats and Igatpuri–Manmad in the Deccan Plateau. The primary aim is to maintain a ruling gradient of 1 in 100, eliminating the requirement for banking engines and improving energy efficiency. The alignment bypasses several stations and merges with the existing line at Lahavit station, ensuring smoother freight movement https://sbi.com.in/ .
Six/Four Lane Access-Controlled Highway – Rishikesh Bypass
The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), through NHAI, has proposed a bypass around Rishikesh to decongest the city and improve traffic movement on NH-34 — a key route connecting Delhi, Meerut, Roorkee, Haridwar, and Badrinath http://nhai.gov.in .
This highway links key religious and industrial nodes, including Haridwar, Dehradun, BHEL, SIDCUL, and strategic border points like Mana, Nelang, and Niti. The project includes a 6/4-lane elevated corridor and an additional 4-lane road, offering alternative routes to manage future traffic and improve overall capacity. Fiinews.com
