New Delhi, Sep 9: The Union Cabinet has approved five major railway multitracking projects with a total estimated cost of around Rs. 10,021 crore, covering 17 districts across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana.
The projects, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will add approximately 540 km to the existing railway network. The projects are targeted for completion by 2029–30.
The five approved projects are:
Arakkonam–Renigunta 3rd and 4th Lines: 77 km
Whitefield–Bangarapet 3rd and 4th Lines: 47 km
Hosur–Omalur Doubling: 147 km
Salem–Karur–Dindigul Doubling: 159 km
Secunderabad (Ghatkesar)–Kazipet Multitracking: 110 km
The expansion is expected to increase railway line capacity, reduce congestion and improve the operational efficiency and reliability of train services. The projects will also strengthen connectivity for the movement of passengers, goods and essential services.
According to the government, the projects are being planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, with a focus on integrated planning, multimodal connectivity and improved logistics efficiency.
The five projects will improve rail connectivity to approximately 2,121 villages with a combined population of around 52 lakh people. They are also expected to boost connectivity to several major religious and tourist destinations, including Tirupati, Tiruchanur, Tiruttani, Kolar Gold Fields, Hogenakkal Falls, Hosur Fort, Mettur Dam, Kodaikanal, Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary, Namakkal and Yadagirigutta.
The upgraded railway routes will play an important role in transporting key commodities such as coal, cement, iron and steel, containers, automobiles, food grains, petroleum products and fertilisers. The capacity enhancement is expected to generate additional freight traffic of around 47 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
The government also highlighted the environmental benefits of shifting more freight and passenger traffic to railways. The projects are expected to help reduce logistics costs, save around 8 crore litres of oil imports annually and lower carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 42 crore kg, equivalent to the environmental benefit of planting around 2 crore trees.
Overall, the projects are expected to strengthen regional connectivity, ease pressure on existing railway routes and support economic activity, tourism, employment and freight movement across the four states.
