Overview

• Projects must evaluate at least three alignment options—shortest path, geologically or geotechnically favourable, and least social or cost impact—before selection.
• Alignment proposals now go to the ministry for pre‑submission review prior to consideration by the Alignment Approval Committee.
• Studies are required to use GIS and high‑resolution DEMs and to produce a Geotechnical Investigation Interpretative Report synthesising field data.
• Routes must avoid eco‑sensitive zones, heritage sites, fault lines, steep slopes, and dense urban settlements, with tunnel portals optimised for access, gradient, drainage, and land acquisition.
• Agencies must conduct stakeholder consultations, especially in tribal and ecologically sensitive areas, and integrate alignment studies with the PM Gati Shakti portal for spatial transparency.