Cabinet Approval of Railway Multitracking Projects
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved five multitracking projects for Indian Railways with a total estimated cost of ₹10,021 crore. These projects are planned for completion by 2029-30 and will increase the existing railway network by approximately 540 kilometers across 17 districts in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana.
Project Details and Scope
The approved projects include: Arakkonam–Renigunta 3rd and 4th Line (77 km), Whitefield–Bangarapet 3rd and 4th Line (47 km), Hosur–Omalur Doubling (147 km), Salem–Karur–Dindigul Doubling (159 km), and Multitracking of Secunderabad (Ghatkesar)–Kazipet (110 km). These capacity enhancement projects will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods, and services, enhancing multi-modal connectivity and logistic efficiency through integrated planning under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
Connectivity and Economic Impact
The projects will enhance connectivity to approximately 2,121 villages with a combined population of about 52 lakh people, improving employment and self-employment opportunities in the region. The increased line capacity will significantly enhance mobility, resulting in improved operational efficiency and service reliability while alleviating congestion. The projects serve as essential routes for transportation of commodities including coal, cement, iron and steel, containers, automobiles, food grains, petroleum products, and fertilizers.
Freight and Environmental Benefits
The capacity augmentation works will result in additional freight traffic of 47 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum). As an environment-friendly and energy-efficient mode of transportation, these projects will help achieve climate goals by minimizing logistics costs, reducing oil imports by approximately 8 crore liters, and lowering CO₂ emissions by about 42 crore kg, which is equivalent to the plantation of approximately 2 crore trees.
Tourism Connectivity Enhancement
The approved projects will improve rail connectivity to several prominent tourist destinations including Tirupati, Subramaniya Swamy Temple (Tiruttani), Sri Padmavati Ammavaari Temple (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.