Cabinet clears ₹10,021 crore rail projects across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu
The Cabinet has approved ₹10,021 crore worth of railway multitracking projects across four southern states, adding about 540 km of rail capacity and boosting passenger and freight connectivity.
The projects, which are planned for completion by 2029-30, will add about 540 km to the existing Indian Railways network and are aimed at easing congestion, improving operational efficiency and strengthening connectivity for passengers and freight.
NEW DELHI: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday five railway multitracking projects costing approximately ₹10,021 crore, covering 17 districts across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
The projects, which are planned for completion by 2029-30, will add about 540 km to the existing Indian Railways network and are aimed at easing congestion, improving operational efficiency and strengthening connectivity for passengers and freight.
Five projects approved
The approved projects include:
- Arakkonam–Renigunta third and fourth lines: 77 km
- Whitefield–Bangarapet third and fourth lines: 47 km
- Hosur–Omalur doubling: 147 km
- Salem–Karur–Dindigul doubling: 159 km
- Secunderabad (Ghatkesar)–Kazipet multitracking: 110 km
The projects will improve connectivity to approximately 2,121 villages with a combined population of around 52 lakh.
The capacity enhancement is also expected to improve rail access to several major tourist and pilgrimage destinations, including Tirupati, Tiruttani, Kolar Gold Fields, Hogenakkal Falls, Kodaikanal Hills, Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary, Yadagirigutta Temple and Bhongir Fort.
Freight capacity to rise
The routes are important for transporting coal, cement, iron and steel, containers, automobiles, foodgrains, petroleum products and fertilisers.
According to the government, the projects are expected to generate additional freight traffic of about 47 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
The projects have been planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, with an emphasis on integrated planning and multimodal connectivity. The enhanced network is expected to facilitate the movement of people, goods and services while improving logistics efficiency.
Lower logistics and emissions
The government said greater use of rail, an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly mode of transport, will help reduce logistics costs and support climate objectives.
The projects are expected to reduce oil imports by approximately 8 crore litres and lower carbon dioxide emissions by around 42 crore kg, equivalent to the carbon absorption associated with planting approximately 2 crore trees.
The government said the expanded rail capacity would also support employment and self-employment opportunities by improving connectivity and enabling broader economic development across the four states.
