PM GatiShakti: What new rail lines in Bihar and Assam, highway project in Maharashtra mean for users

The Network Planning Group (NPG) under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan on Thursday reviewed three major infrastructure proposals from the railways and the road transport ministry to strengthen multimodal connectivity and improve logistics efficiency.

The NPG reviewed three major proposals: a third and fourth railway line between Punarakh and Kiul in Bihar, a new broad-gauge railway line between Silghat and Dekargaon in Assam, and a four-lane elevated corridor on NH-65 in Solapur, Maharashtra.

According to an official statement, the projects were assessed for providing last-mile connectivity to industrial and social nodes, improving freight movement, and delivering socio-economic benefits to their respective regions.

The proposed 49.57-km double-line expansion between Punarakh and Kiul will significantly strengthen rail capacity in an industrially active region of Bihar.

Passing through Patna and Lakhisarai districts, the corridor serves several major plants, including NTPC Barauni, the Barh super thermal power plant, and cement units of Ultratech and ACC.

The project is also expected to benefit numerous MSMEs engaged in food processing, textiles, petroleum and other sectors. The additional lines are expected to ease congestion, facilitate faster freight movement, and improve passenger services across hubs like Patna, Fatuha and Mokama. Better connectivity is also likely to benefit tourism, given improved access to landmarks such as Mahavir Mandir, Takhat Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib, the Bihar Museum and Gol Ghar.

The new 27.5-km broad-gauge line aims to improve regional connectivity in Assam, especially across areas situated along the Brahmaputra. Strategically aligned near NH-15 and NH-715, it is designed to create closer coordination between road and rail networks. The project will augment capacity on the Dekargaon–New Silghat route, which is seeing rising freight and passenger demand. By improving access and mobility, the line is expected to support trade, tourism and industrial activity in the region, while also contributing to the government’s push to enhance connectivity across the Northeast.

Elevated NH-65 corridor in Solapur

The NPG also reviewed a MoRTH proposal to construct a four-lane elevated corridor along a 9.66-km stretch of NH-65 between Old Pune Naka and Boramani Naka in Solapur, Maharashtra. The project, part of Bharatmala Phase-I, includes approach ramps and service roads.

The corridor aims to decongest traffic within Solapur city by offering a dedicated fast-moving route. Once completed, it is expected to decongest city traffic, cut travel time, improve road safety and reduce vehicle emissions. The corridor is also likely to strengthen connectivity and support economic, religious and cultural activity in Solapur, the statement said.