New Delhi: The Union Cabinet yesterday approved 5 multi-track railway projects worth Rs. 10,021 crore in 5 states, including Tamil Nadu. The meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Modi, was held yesterday.
In this, approval was granted for 5 multi-track railway projects at an investment of Rs. 10,021 crore across 17 districts in the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana. This will add about 540 km to the existing railway network of Indian Railways.
Through these projects, rail connectivity will be improved for about 2,121 villages. As a result, around 52 lakh people living in these villages will benefit. According to the report released by the government, Arakkonam–Renigunta 3rd and 4th railway lines – 77 km. Whitefield–Bangarpet 3rd and 4th lines – 47 km. Hosur–Omalur double railway line – 147 km. Salem–Karur–Dindigul double railway line – 159 km. Secunderabad
The (Katkesar)–Kazipet route – 110 km – are the projects that have been approved. By increasing the capacity of railway lines, passenger and freight transport will improve significantly. These multi-line route projects are intended to reduce rail traffic congestion and are planned to be completed by 2029–30. These projects will be implemented under the Prime Minister’s Gati Shakti scheme.
Moreover, rail connectivity to major tourist and spiritual destinations such as Tirupati, Tiruttani Subramaniya Swamy Temple, Tiruchanur Sri Padmavathi Thayar Temple, Kotilingeswarar Temple, Sri Seethi Bhairaveswara Swamy Temple, Bangaru Tirupati, Kolar Gold Fields, Hogenakkal Falls, Hosur Fort, Mettur Dam, Kodaikanal hill region, Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary, Namakkal Anjaneyar Temple, Namakkal Fort, Kalyana Pasupatheeswarar Temple, Yadagirigutta Temple, Bhuvanagiri Fort, Surendrapuri and Swarnagiri Temple will also improve.
These railway lines are important for transporting various goods, including coal, cement, iron and steel, containers, vehicles, food grains, petroleum products, and fertilizers. Through capacity enhancement works, these railway lines can handle an additional 4.7 crore tonnes of freight traffic per year.
