Railway expansion gets ₹10,021-crore boost across Tamil Nadu, Andhra, Karnataka and Telangana; check approved projects
Prime Minister Narendra Modi-chaired Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on Wednesday approved five railway multi-tracking projects estimated to cost ₹10,021 crore. The projects aim to strengthen and expand rail infrastructure across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the projects are expected to be completed by 2029-30.
List of approved projects
- Arakkonam – Renigunta 3rd and 4th Line – 77 kms
2. Whitefield – Bangarapet 3rd and 4th Line – 47 kms
3. Hosur – Omalur Doubling – 147 kms
4. Salem – Karur – Dindigul Doubling – 159 kms
5. Multitracking of Secunderabad (Ghatkesar) – Kazipet – 110 kms
5 railway projects to add 540 km, improve tourist connectivity and cut CO2 emissions
The five projects will span 17 districts in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana and are expected to add around 540 km to the existing Indian Railways network, according to the Ministry of Railways. The approved multi-tracking works will also improve connectivity to approximately 2,121 villages with a combined population of about 52 lakh, it added.
“The increased line capacity will significantly enhance mobility, resulting in improved operational efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways. These multi-tracking projects are poised to streamline operations and alleviate congestion,” the Ministry mentioned in a press release.
It said the projects are aligned with PM Modi’s vision of a New India which will make people of the region “Atmanirbhar” through comprehensive development and increased employment and self-employment opportunities.
“The projects are planned on PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan with focus on enhancing multi-modal connectivity and logistic efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations. These projects will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods, and services,” the release further noted.
The ministry said the approved capacity-enhancement projects would strengthen rail connectivity to several major tourist destinations, including Tirupati, Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Tiruttani, Sri Padmavati Ammavaari Temple in Tiruchanur, Kotilingeshwara Devaalaya, Sri Seethi Byraveshwara Swamy Temple, Bangaru Tirupati, Kolar Gold Fields, Hogennakkal Falls, Hosur Fort, Mettur Dam, Kodaikanal Hills, Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary, Namakkal Anjaneyar Temple, Namakkal Fort, Kalyana Pasupatheswar Temple, Yadagirigutta Temple, Bhongir Fort, Surendrapuri and Swarnagiri Temple, among others.
According to the ministry, the projects cover key routes used to transport commodities such as coal, cement, iron and steel, containers, automobiles, food grains, petroleum products and fertilisers. The capacity expansion is expected to facilitate additional freight traffic of around 47 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
The ministry said the Railways, as an environment-friendly and energy-efficient mode of transport, would contribute to climate goals while reducing the country’s logistics costs. It added that the projects are expected to cut oil imports by around 8 crore litres and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 42 crore kg, equivalent to planting about 2 crore trees.
