Indian Government Approves ₹10,021 Crore for Major Rail Projects in Southern States

New Delhi, September 9 (Daily Kiran) : The Indian Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved five significant multi-tracking railway projects worth ₹10,021 crore aimed at strengthening the rail network in Southern India. This initiative is expected to enhance rail connectivity across 17 districts in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana, adding approximately 540 kilometers to the Indian railway network.

Prime Minister Modi welcomed the decision, stating that these projects will bolster rail connectivity in Southern India and benefit millions of people. He emphasized that the Cabinet’s decision will expedite passenger movement, enhance connectivity, and increase freight capacity.

The approved projects include the third and fourth railway lines from Arakkonam to Renigunta (77 km), the third and fourth lines from Whitefield to Bangarpet (47 km), the doubling of the Hosur to Omalur section (147 km), the doubling of the Salem to Karur to Dindigul section (159 km), and the multi-tracking project from Secunderabad (Ghatkesar) to Kazipet (110 km). All projects are targeted for completion by 2029-30.

According to the Ministry of Railways, these developments will increase the capacity of railway lines, leading to smoother train operations and reduced congestion. This will improve punctuality, operational efficiency, and service quality.

Post-expansion, the railway will gain an additional freight capacity of 47 million tons annually. This will facilitate the transportation of coal, cement, iron and steel, containers, automobiles, grains, petroleum products, and fertilizers.

Approximately 2,121 villages will benefit from improved rail connectivity, impacting around 5.2 million residents. The government believes that enhanced rail links will promote regional development and create more employment opportunities.

The approved projects will also improve access to several major religious and tourist sites, including Tirupati, the Subramanya Swamy Temple in Tiruttani, the Padmavathi Ammavari Temple, and the Kolar Gold Fields, among others.

Furthermore, the government asserts that rail transport is more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient compared to road transport. These projects are expected to reduce oil imports by about 8 crore liters and cut carbon dioxide emissions by 42 crore kilograms, which is equivalent to the environmental benefit of planting approximately 2 crore trees.