3rd and 4th line from Gamharia to Chandil evaluated
The 101st meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) has evaluated on 7 Nov infrastructure projects related to Roads, Transport & Highways, and Railways, including the proposed rehabilitation and upgradation of 154.635-km National Highway 160A (NH-160A) from Ghoti to Palghar in Maharashtra https://www.commerce.gov.in/.
The NH-160A corridor serves as a strategic alternate freight route connecting the industrial clusters of Nashik and adjoining MIDC areas (Ambad and Satpur) to the western coastal ports, significantly reducing dependence on existing routes passing through Nashik city https://www.conexpoconagg.com/.
The proposed upgradation will enable efficient port access, decongest urban corridors, and enhance freight mobility for industrial and commercial traffic. The project will also strengthen intermodal connectivity by improving linkages with nearby railheads (Nashik, Palghar, and Dahanu railway lines) and major highways including NH-60, NH-48, and NH-848, ensuring improved last-mile connectivity for both passenger and freight movement.
Other projects evaluated:
Development of 2-Lane with Paved Shoulder from Hiwarkhedi to Basinda-Roshni (Betul – Khandwa);
Development of 2/4 lane with paved shoulder of Ashapur to Rudhy (Betul – Khandwa) (Madhya Pradesh);
The MoRTH has proposed the development of a 2-lane carriageway with paved shoulders from Hiwarkhedi to Basinda–Roshni, and the widening of the existing 2-lane road to a 4-lane divided carriageway with paved shoulders from Deshgaon to Julwaniya, in the state of Madhya Pradesh https://www.globaltenders.com/.
The proposed 300-km corridor serves as a strategic arterial route, enhancing interstate connectivity and linking cities of national importance across Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. It will improve regional linkages with major urban centers such as Udaipur, Jhalawar (Rajasthan); Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Bharuch (Gujarat); Nashik, Dhule, Aurangabad, Amravati, Akola (Maharashtra); and Indore, Ujjain, Bhopal, and Khandwa (Madhya Pradesh) https://ted.europa.eu/en/.
The corridor will provide an alternate and shorter route between Nagpur and Vadodara, thereby facilitating efficient movement of freight and passenger traffic across central and western India. Upgradation of the project road will also improve access to key industrial and economic zones, including District Trade and Industry Centre in Barwani, Anjad, Khargone, and Bhikangaon, as well as the NTPC Super Thermal Power Station at Selda, Khargone.
Ministry of Railways (MoR)
3rd & 4th line from Gamharia to Chandil (Jharkhand)
The Ministry of Railways has proposed the construction of a 3rd and 4th railway line between Gamharia and Chandil, spanning 56-km in Jharkhand.
The project aims to address severe congestion in the existing Kandra–Chandil section, which is currently operating at 130%-line capacity utilization, including maintenance blocks. Forecasts indicate that capacity utilization may reach 141% in the near future, highlighting the urgent requirement for capacity augmentation to ensure smoother and more efficient train operations https://sbi.com.in/.
The Gamharia–Chandil corridor is a critical freight route, facilitating the movement of iron ore and raw materials from the Chakradharpur Division to steel plants at Burnpur and Durgapur, as well as sponge iron industries in the Asansol region. The section plays a vital role in supporting the industrial supply chain and mineral logistics across eastern India. With a maximum permissible speed of 130 km/h on the existing line, the proposed expansion will further enhance operational efficiency and throughput capacity https://www.nseindia.com/.
Upon completion, the project will significantly increase line capacity, reduce congestion, and enhance freight movement efficiency. It will also strengthen connectivity for industrial and mineral-based freight corridors, improving logistics performance and supporting the economic growth of eastern India.
4th Line from Sainthia-Pakur (West Bengal & Jharkhand)
The Ministry of Railways has proposed the construction of a 4th railway line between Sainthia and Pakur, covering a total length of approximately 81.20 kilometers across the states of West Bengal and Jharkhand. The project aims to augment line capacity and reduce congestion on the existing busy corridor, ensuring efficient movement of both freight and passenger traffic https://www.bseindia.com/.
The section has been designated as an “Energy Corridor”, highlighting its strategic role in supporting industrial supply chains and power sector logistics in eastern India. The corridor traverses a region with substantial untapped freight potential, particularly from industrial clusters that currently rely on road transport.
The introduction of the 4th line will facilitate a modal shift from road to rail, enhancing cost efficiency, reliability, and sustainability in freight movement. The proposed expansion will lead to improved train punctuality, higher average freight speeds, and optimal utilization of rolling stock and crew resources, thereby generating significant operational savings by minimizing detention of goods trains.
Additionally, the project will strengthen rail-based logistics for iron and steel industries, chemical plants, thermal power stations, and mining operations, contributing to the region’s industrial growth, energy security, and logistics efficiency.
Upon completion, the Sainthia–Pakur 4th Line Project will play a pivotal role in enhancing freight mobility, supporting industrial expansion, and boosting economic development across eastern India. Fiinews.com
