Cabinet approves five multitracking projects covering 17 Districts across the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana, increasing the existing network of Indian Railways by about 540 Kms

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved five railway multi-tracking projects covering 17 districts in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana. With an estimated cost of Rs. 10,021 crore and targeted completion by 2029-30, the initiative will expand the Indian Railways network by approximately 540 km. The projects span specific routes including Arakkonam–Renigunta, Whitefield–Bangarapet, Hosur–Omalur, Salem–Karur–Dindigul, and Secunderabad–Kazipet. Planned under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the capacity augmentation is designed to improve operational efficiency, alleviate congestion, enhance freight traffic capacity by 47 MTPA, improve connectivity to numerous tourist and religious sites, and contribute to environmental goals by lowering oil imports and CO2 emissions.