New Delhi: The Centre on Wednesday approved five railway multitracking projects worth around ₹10,021 crore across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana, aimed at easing congestion, improving connectivity and strengthening freight movement.
The projects, cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will add about 540 km to the existing railway network and are scheduled for completion by 2029-30.
Two Karnataka projects to add 194 km
Karnataka will benefit from two major capacity-enhancement projects — the Whitefield-Bangarapet third and fourth lines, covering 47 km, and the 147-km Hosur-Omalur doubling project.
The five approved works include the 77-km Arakkonam-Renigunta third and fourth lines, the 159-km Salem-Karur-Dindigul doubling project and 110-km multitracking between Secunderabad (Ghatkesar) and Kazipet.
Together, the projects will cover 17 districts and improve rail connectivity to around 2,121 villages, benefiting a population of nearly 52 lakh, according to the government.
The expanded rail capacity is expected to improve access to several important tourist and religious destinations, including Tirupati, Tiruttani, Kolar Gold Fields, Hogenakkal Falls, Hosur, Kodaikanal, Sathyamangalam, Namakkal, Yadagirigutta and Bhongir.
The routes are also important for transporting commodities such as coal, cement, iron and steel, containers, automobiles, foodgrains, petroleum products and fertilisers.
The Centre estimates that the capacity augmentation could facilitate an additional 47 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of freight traffic.
The projects have been planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, with an emphasis on integrated planning, multimodal connectivity and improved logistics efficiency.
The government said the expanded railway network would enable smoother movement of people, goods and services while improving operational efficiency and service reliability.
Rail transport, being comparatively energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, is also expected to contribute to India’s climate goals. According to the Centre, the projects could help reduce oil imports by around 8 crore litres and lower carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 42 crore kg.
The reduction in emissions is estimated to be equivalent to planting around 2 crore trees.
The government said the projects would also support economic activity and create greater opportunities for employment and self-employment in the regions covered by the new infrastructure.
