The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved five railway capacity enhancement projects in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana, at a cost of approximately ₹10,021 crore.
The projects will add nearly 540 km of new rail capacity through third- and fourth-line construction and track doubling, helping ease congestion and improve the movement of passengers and freight.
These projects include:
- Multitracking of Secunderabad (Ghatkesar) – Kazipet – 110 kms
- Salem – Karur – Dindigul Doubling – 159 kms
- Whitefield – Bangarapet 3rd and 4th Line – 47 kms
- Hosur – Omalur Doubling – 147 kms
- Arakkonam – Renigunta 3rd and 4th Line – 77 kms
According to the Railways, these works will improve train operations and reduce congestion on busy rail routes. The projects are expected to provide better rail connectivity to around 2,121 villages across 17 districts, home to a population of approximately 5.2 million people.
These projects will also strengthen connectivity to Tirupati, Tiruttani, Kodaikanal, Hogenakkal Falls, Yadadrigutta, and other major tourist and religious sites.
According to the government, the upgraded routes could handle an additional 47 million tonnes of freight annually, including coal, cement, steel, automobiles, food grains and petroleum products.
The projects, planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, are also expected to reduce logistics costs and environmental impact. The government estimates savings of around 8 crore litres of oil and a reduction of nearly 42 crore kg of CO₂ emissions.
(PIB)
