The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved five Railway Projects worth ₹10,021 crore across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana. The projects will add about 540 km of rail capacity, ease congestion and improve passenger and freight connectivity across southern India.
Key Highlights
- Cabinet approves five Railway Projects worth ₹10,021 crore.
- Projects will add around 540 km of rail capacity across four states.
- The works will improve connectivity to 2,121 villages.
- Projects are expected to support additional freight traffic of 47 MTPA.
- Rail expansion could reduce oil consumption by 8 crore litres.
- Projects are estimated to cut 42 crore kg of CO₂ emissions.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved five multitracking railway projects with a total investment of ₹10,021 crore.
The projects will cover 17 districts across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana. They will add approximately 540 km to the existing Indian Railways network. The capacity expansion is expected to strengthen passenger movement, improve freight operations and reduce congestion on key rail corridors.
Railway Projects to Expand Capacity Across South India
The approved works include the Arakkonam–Renigunta third and fourth lines covering 77 km and the Whitefield–Bangarapet third and fourth lines covering 47 km.
The package also includes 147 km of doubling between Hosur and Omalur, 159 km of doubling between Salem, Karur and Dindigul, and the 110-km Secunderabad (Ghatkesar)–Kazipet project.
The projects are targeted for completion by 2029-30. They are being planned under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
The additional capacity is expected to improve train movement, operational efficiency and service reliability across important southern rail corridors.
Railway Projects to Improve Connectivity and Tourism
The expanded network will improve rail access to around 2,121 villages with a combined population of nearly 52 lakh.
The projects will also strengthen connectivity to several major tourist and religious destinations. These include Tirupati, Tiruttani, Kolar Gold Fields, Hogenakkal Falls, Hosur Fort, Mettur Dam, Kodaikanal Hills, Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary, Namakkal and Yadagirigutta.
Better rail connectivity can support the movement of passengers, goods and services. It can also strengthen multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency across the region.
Railway Projects to Boost Freight Movement
The capacity expansion will support the movement of key commodities, including coal, cement, iron and steel, containers, automobiles, food grains, petroleum products and fertilisers.
The projects are expected to generate additional freight traffic of around 47 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
Higher rail capacity can support more efficient freight movement and improve logistics connectivity. It could also help businesses move bulk commodities and industrial goods more reliably across southern India.
Railway Projects Support Greener Transportation
The expansion is also expected to deliver environmental benefits. Railways provide a more energy-efficient mode of transportation compared with several other forms of freight movement.
The projects are estimated to reduce oil consumption by around 8 crore litres. They are also expected to cut carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 42 crore kg.
The estimated reduction is equivalent to the environmental benefit of planting around 2 crore trees.
₹10,021 Crore Investment to Strengthen Rail Infrastructure
The ₹10,021-crore investment marks a significant capacity upgrade for southern India. The projects are expected to improve rail connectivity, freight movement, logistics efficiency and passenger mobility.
By adding new lines and doubling existing routes, the projects can help reduce congestion on busy corridors. They can also support industrial activity, tourism and regional economic growth.
The expansion strengthens the role of rail infrastructure in supporting more efficient and sustainable transportation across South India.
Source: Sarkaritel
