New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved five major railway multi-tracking projects with a total estimated investment of around ₹10,021 crore.
The projects will expand, double or multi-track approximately 540 km of railway network across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana. The projects are expected to increase railway capacity, ease congestion and improve the movement of passenger and freight trains across important routes in South India.
Five Railway Projects to Cover 540 Km
The five approved projects will pass through 17 districts and add substantial capacity to existing railway corridors.
The projects include:
- Arakkonam–Renigunta: 77 km, construction of third and fourth lines
- Whitefield–Bangarpet: 47 km, construction of third and fourth lines
- Hosur–Omalur: 147 km, doubling of the railway line
- Salem–Karur–Dindigul: 159 km, doubling of the railway line
- Secunderabad (Ghatkesar)–Kazipet: 110 km, multi-tracking
Together, these projects will strengthen railway infrastructure and improve train movement across several important industrial, commercial, tourism and pilgrimage regions.
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2,121 Villages to Get Better Rail Connectivity
According to the government, the projects will improve railway connectivity for around 2,121 villages, with a combined population of approximately 52 lakh people.
The additional railway lines are expected to reduce bottlenecks and congestion on existing routes, allowing passenger and freight trains to operate more smoothly.
The projects are also expected to improve:
- Train operational efficiency
- Punctuality of railway services
- Reliability of train operations
- Passenger connectivity
- Freight transportation capacity
- Movement of goods across key economic corridors
Railway Projects to Boost Tourism and Local Economy
Improved rail connectivity is expected to benefit several important religious, tourism and heritage destinations located along or near the project corridors.
Major destinations that are expected to benefit include:
- Tirupati
- Subramanya Swamy Temple, Tiruttani
- Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple, Tiruchanur
- Kolar Gold Fields
- Hogenakkal Falls
- Hosur Fort
- Mettur Dam
- Kodaikanal Hills
- Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary
- Namakkal Anjaneyar Temple
- Yadadri Gutta Temple
- Bhongir Fort
- Surendrapuri
Better railway connectivity to these destinations is expected to support tourism, trade and local economic activity while creating opportunities for employment and livelihoods.
Projects Planned Under PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan
The government said the projects have been planned in line with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which focuses on integrated infrastructure development and improved connectivity between different modes of transportation.
The projects aim to make the movement of people, goods and services more efficient by strengthening railway infrastructure and improving logistics connectivity.
The enhanced rail network is also expected to support economic activity in the regions covered by the projects and create new opportunities for employment and self-employment.
Multi-Tracking to Ease Railway Congestion
The five projects are considered important in view of increasing traffic pressure on existing railway routes.
Multi-tracking and doubling will provide additional capacity for the movement of trains, helping the Railways manage passenger and freight traffic more efficiently.
The additional lines are expected to reduce operational constraints on busy corridors and allow better scheduling and movement of trains.
Projects to Strengthen Regional Economic Development
The government has emphasised that the approved railway projects are not limited to increasing the number of railway tracks.
They are aimed at achieving broader objectives, including:
- Improving regional connectivity
- Enabling faster transportation
- Increasing logistics efficiency
- Supporting passenger and freight movement
- Promoting tourism
- Strengthening local economies
- Creating employment and livelihood opportunities
With the development of approximately 540 km of additional or upgraded railway infrastructure, the projects are expected to strengthen the transportation network across South India and contribute to long-term regional economic growth.
