09 September,2026 05:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
According to the government, the five projects will improve rail connectivity to around 2,121 villages with a combined population of about 52 lakh people. Representational pic
The Union Cabinet has approved five multitracking projects of the Ministry of Railways across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana, with a total estimated cost of Rs 10,021 crore.
The projects will cover 17 districts and add about 540 km to the existing Indian Railways network. They are scheduled to be completed by 2029-30.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the projects on Wednesday.
Arakkonam-Renigunta third and fourth lines: 77 km
Whitefield-Bangarapet third and fourth lines: 47 km
Hosur-Omalur doubling: 147 km
Salem-Karur-Dindigul doubling: 159 km
Secunderabad (Ghatkesar)-Kazipet multitracking: 110 km
The projects are aimed at increasing railway line capacity, improving operational efficiency, and easing congestion on key routes. The Railways said the capacity enhancement will also improve service reliability and connectivity for passengers and freight.
Planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the projects focus on improving multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations.
According to the government, the five projects will improve rail connectivity to around 2,121 villages with a combined population of about 52 lakh people.
The projects will also improve connectivity to several tourist destinations, including Tirupati, Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Tiruttani, Sri Padmavati Ammavaari Temple in Tiruchanur, 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 transporting commodities including coal, cement, iron and steel, containers, automobiles, foodgrains, petroleum products, and fertilisers.
The Railways expects the capacity augmentation to facilitate additional freight traffic of about 47 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
The government said the projects would also help reduce logistics costs and oil imports, with an estimated saving of around 8 crore litres of oil. The projects are expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 42 crore kg, which the government said is equivalent to the environmental benefit of planting around 2 crore trees.
The Railways said the projects, by providing additional capacity and improving connectivity, would support the movement of people, goods and services across the four states.
