The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a major railway infrastructure project involving the 3rd and 4th line of the Ballari-Guntakal section spanning Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The project carries a total estimated cost of ₹1,264 crore and is scheduled for completion by the fiscal year 2028-29.
This multitracking project will add approximately 46 kilometers to the existing Indian Railways network, covering three districts across the two states. Developed under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan framework, the project aims to enhance multi-modal connectivity and improve logistics efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations. The enhanced rail connectivity will benefit approximately 99 villages with a combined population of about seven lakh people and improve access to prominent tourist destinations including Ballari Fort and Sri Kumara Swamy Temple.
The project serves as an essential route for transporting key commodities including iron ore, dolomite, limestone, iron and steel, coal, fertilizers, and food grains. The capacity augmentation is expected to generate additional freight traffic of 16.22 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). The railways' environment-friendly transportation mode will contribute to climate goals by reducing oil imports by 1.32 crore litres and lowering CO2 emissions by 6.67 crore kg, equivalent to the plantation of 0.27 crore trees.
The increased line capacity will significantly enhance operational mobility, improving both operational efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways while alleviating congestion. The project aligns with the vision of comprehensive regional development that will enhance employment and self-employment opportunities for the local population.