The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved five multitracking projects of the Ministry of Railways with a total estimated cost of around Rs 10,021 crore.
The projects will cover 17 districts across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana and add around 540 km to the existing railway network.
The approved projects include the Arakkonam-Renigunta third and fourth lines covering 77 km, Whitefield-Bangarapet third and fourth lines covering 47 km, Hosur-Omalur doubling covering 147 km, Salem-Karur-Dindigul doubling covering 159 km and multitracking of the Secunderabad (Ghatkesar)-Kazipet section covering 110 km.
The capacity augmentation is expected to improve mobility, enhance operational efficiency and reliability of railway services, and help reduce congestion on key routes.
According to the government, the projects have been planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, with a focus on integrated planning, multimodal connectivity and improved logistics efficiency.
The projects are expected to provide seamless rail connectivity for the movement of people, goods and services.
The expanded network will improve connectivity to around 2,121 villages with a combined population of approximately 52 lakh.
The projects will also strengthen rail connectivity to several important tourist and religious destinations, including Tirupati, Subramaniya Swamy Temple at Tiruttani, Sri Padmavati Ammavaari Temple at Tiruchanur, Kotilingeshwara Devaalaya, Bangaru Tirupati, Kolar Gold Fields, Hogenakkal Falls, Hosur Fort, Mettur Dam, Kodaikanal Hills, Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary, Namakkal Anjaneyar Temple, Yadagirigutta Temple and Bhongir Fort.
The routes are also important for the transportation of key commodities such as coal, cement, iron and steel, containers, automobiles, foodgrains, petroleum products and fertilisers.
The capacity augmentation is expected to facilitate additional freight traffic of around 47 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
The government said the projects would also contribute to reducing logistics costs and supporting India’s climate goals, as rail transport is more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly compared with several other modes of freight transportation.
The projects are expected to help reduce oil consumption by around 8 crore litres and lower carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 42 crore kg, equivalent to the carbon absorption of around two crore trees, according to the government.
The approved projects are part of efforts to strengthen railway infrastructure and create additional capacity to meet growing passenger and freight demand while supporting regional economic development.
