The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its official approval for five major multitracking railway projects with an estimated cost of Rs 10,021 crore. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced these crucial developments on September 9, 2026, with all initiatives targeted for completion by the 2029-30 fiscal year. These infrastructure upgrades span across 17 districts in the southern states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana, adding approximately 540 kilometers of new tracks to the expanding Indian Railways network. Key highlights include improved freight capacity, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced connectivity for millions of daily passengers and rural communities.
The newly sanctioned projects are strategically designed to ease heavy congestion along vital corridors. The approved works specifically encompass the
77 km Arakkonam to Renigunta third and fourth line, the
47 km Whitefield to Bangarapet third and fourth line, the
147 km Hosur to Omalur doubling project, the
159 km Salem to Karur to Dindigul doubling project, and the
110 km multitracking of the Secunderabad Ghatkesar to Kazipet section. These capacity enhancements are part of the broader
PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, ensuring seamless multi-modal connectivity and smoother train operations across South India.
Beyond operational efficiency, these infrastructure additions will significantly boost rail connectivity for nearly
2,121 villages, directly benefiting a population of roughly
52 lakh people. Railway officials project that the expanded network will generate an additional freight traffic capacity of
47 million tonnes per annum. In terms of green initiatives, the project is estimated to reduce oil imports by
8 crore litres and cut carbon dioxide emissions by
42 crore kg, which is equivalent to the natural carbon absorption capacity of
2 crore trees. Additionally, travellers visiting prominent pilgrimage and tourist hubs such as the
Tirupati, Tiruttani Subramaniya Swamy, and Sri Padmavati Ammavaari temples will experience vastly improved rail access.
