The Department of Transportation shall continue planning efforts for improvements to the New Canaan, Norwalk, Danbury and Waterbury branch rail lines, including, but not limited to, upgrades and electrification of such rail lines. Not later than January 6, 2017, the department shall provide a report on the progress of such planning efforts to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to transportation, and shall provide updates thereafter, as requested by said committee.