Union Cabinet approves five major railway multi tracking projects for South India
Indian Railways is set to get a massive infrastructure boost in South India as the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved five vital multi-tracking railway projects on Wednesday September 9 2026. Designed to improve connectivity across Tamil Nadu Andhra Pradesh Karnataka and Telangana these projects involve a total estimated investment of ₹10,021 crore and are slated for completion by the 2029-30 fiscal year. This major initiative will add approximately 540 kilometers to the existing rail network through track doubling and laying new tracks. The approved expansion covers critical routes including the construction of 3rd and 4th lines between Arakkonam and Renigunta spanning 77 km and between Whitefield and Bangarapet spanning 47 km. It also includes the doubling of the Hosur–Omalur stretch covering 147 km and the Salem–Karur–Dindigul stretch covering 159 km along with the multi-tracking of the Secunderabad Ghatkesar–Kazipet line spanning 110 km.
Boosting Capacity and Regional Connectivity
Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that these infrastructure developments are specifically designed to increase line capacity enhance operational efficiency and significantly reduce congestion on busy routes. Implemented under the strategic framework of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan the projects will directly benefit 17 districts and approximately 52 lakh people residing across 2,121 villages. Furthermore the upgraded rail corridors will greatly improve seamless passenger access to major religious and cultural destinations such as Tirupati and the Subramaniya Swamy Temple.
Economic Impact and Freight Growth
Prime Minister Modi noted that these network enhancements will lead to much faster passenger movement and reduced logistics costs for businesses and industries. In addition to passenger benefits this capacity expansion is expected to facilitate an additional 47 million tonnes of freight traffic annually. This development forms a crucial part of a broader national approval of eight major railway projects totaling ₹20,804 crore marking a massive leap forward for Indian Railways modernization and freight handling capabilities.