Five Multi-Tracking Projects Approved
The Union Cabinet has approved five railway multi-tracking projects worth ₹10,021 crore, aimed at increasing rail capacity, reducing congestion and improving connectivity across four southern states.
The projects, cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, will cover around 540 km across 17 districts in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana.
Together, they are expected to improve connectivity to 2,121 villages, serving a combined population of around 52 lakh people.
Five Routes to Get Additional Tracks
The approved projects include several important capacity-expansion works.
The Arakkonam–Renigunta route will receive third and fourth lines over 77 km. The Whitefield–Bangarapet section will also get third and fourth lines across 47 km.
Other projects include Hosur–Omalur doubling over 147 km, Salem–Karur–Dindigul doubling over 159 km and additional capacity on the Secunderabad–Ghatkesar–Kazipet route covering 110 km.
The projects are scheduled for completion by 2029-30.
Congestion Relief and Better Reliability
Adding tracks to busy railway routes allows more passenger and freight trains to operate without the same level of conflicts between services.
The government expects the projects to improve operational efficiency, increase line capacity and strengthen the reliability of railway services.
They are being implemented under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which focuses on integrated infrastructure planning and better multimodal connectivity.
Boost to Freight Movement
The projects are also important for freight transportation.
The upgraded routes carry commodities including coal, cement, iron and steel, containers, automobiles, food grains, petroleum products and fertilisers.
The additional railway capacity is expected to generate around 47 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of additional freight traffic.
Greater movement of goods by rail could also help reduce dependence on road transportation and lower logistics costs.
Tourism Connectivity to Improve
The additional capacity will also strengthen railway connectivity to several major tourist and religious destinations.
These include Tirupati, Tiruttani, Kodaikanal, Yadagirigutta, Bhongir Fort, Kolar Gold Fields, Hogenakkal Falls and Mettur Dam, among others.
Improved rail infrastructure could make these destinations more accessible while supporting passenger movement in the surrounding regions.
Environmental Benefits
The government expects the shift towards greater rail-based freight movement to produce environmental benefits as well.
The projects are estimated to reduce oil consumption by around 8 crore litres and cut carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 42 crore kg.
The government equates the emissions reduction to the carbon absorption of around 2 crore trees.
A Major Southern Rail Capacity Expansion
The ₹10,021-crore investment represents another major effort to expand India’s railway network beyond simply adding new routes.
By increasing the number of tracks on heavily used corridors, Indian Railways can accommodate growing passenger and freight demand while reducing bottlenecks.
With completion targeted for 2029-30, the projects are expected to strengthen connectivity, logistics and economic activity across the four southern states.
Summary: The Cabinet has approved five railway multi-tracking projects worth ₹10,021 crore, covering about 540 km across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana. The projects will connect 2,121 villages, add freight capacity of around 47 MTPA, ease congestion and improve passenger connectivity. They are scheduled for completion by 2029-30.
