New Delhi, September 9:The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved five railway multitracking projects with a total estimated cost of approximately Rs 10,021 crore.
The projects, covering a combined length of around 540 km, will be implemented across 17 districts in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telanganaand are scheduled for completion by 2029-30.
The approved projects are:
The additional railway lines are expected to substantially increase network capacity, improve operational efficiency and enhance the reliability of passenger and freight services. The projects will also help streamline train operations and reduce congestion on some of the busiest railway routes in the region.
The initiatives are aligned with the government's vision of building a developed and self-reliant India by strengthening infrastructure and improving connectivity, while creating greater opportunities for employment and self-employment in the region.
The projects have been planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, with a focus on integrated planning, multimodal connectivity and improved logistics efficiency. By facilitating seamless movement of people, goods and services, the projects are expected to strengthen the overall transportation network across the four states.
According to the government, the five projects will expand the existing Indian Railways network by approximately 540 km and improve rail connectivity to around 2,121 villages, covering a population of nearly 52 lakh people.
The enhanced rail connectivity will also benefit several important tourist and religious destinations, includingTirupati, Subramaniya Swamy Temple at Tiruttani, Sri Padmavati Ammavaari Temple at Tiruchanur, Kotilingeshwara Devaalaya, Sri Seethi Byraveshwara Swamy Temple, Bangaru Tirupati, Kolar Gold Fields, Hogenakkal Falls, Hosur Fort, Mettur Dam, Kodaikanal Hills, Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary, Namakkal Anjaneyar Temple, Namakkal Fort, Kalyana Pasupatheswar Temple, Yadagirigutta Temple, Bhongir Fort, Surendrapuri and Swarnagiri Temple, among others.
The routes covered by the projects are also important corridors for transporting key commodities, including coal, cement, iron and steel, containers, automobiles, food grains, petroleum products and fertilisers.
The capacity augmentation is expected to facilitate an additional 47 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of freight traffic. As rail transport is considered a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly mode of transportation, the projects are expected to contribute to the country's climate goals while reducing logistics costs.
The government estimates that the enhanced rail capacity will help reduce oil consumption by approximately 8 crore litres and cut carbon dioxide emissions by around 42 crore kg. The reduction in emissions is equivalent to the environmental benefit of planting approximately 2 crore trees.
