Cabinet approves five new railway projects worth ten thousand twenty one crore rupees
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved five significant multi-tracking railway projects with an estimated investment of ₹10,021 crore on September 9, 2026. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State for Railways V Somanna announced that these infrastructure developments will be completed by the 2029-30 fiscal year under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. These crucial additions will expand the national network by 540 kilometers across 17 districts in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana.
The approved initiatives feature specific route expansions designed to eliminate bottlenecks. The projects include the Arakkonam-Renigunta 3rd and 4th line spanning 77 km, the Whitefield-Bangarapet 3rd and 4th line spanning 47 km, the Hosur-Omalur doubling spanning 147 km, the Salem-Karur-Dindigul doubling spanning 159 km, and multi-tracking on the Secunderabad Ghatkesar to Kazipet section spanning 110 km.
Enhanced Connectivity and Freight Capacity
These major expansions will provide improved rail connectivity to 2,121 villages, directly benefiting approximately 52 lakh people. Beyond enhancing passenger mobility and improving access to key tourist destinations, the infrastructure boost is projected to increase annual freight traffic capacity by 47 million tonnes per annum. The resulting operational efficiency gains will significantly reduce logistics costs for industries across the southern states.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
The network upgrades deliver substantial green benefits alongside transit improvements. The shift toward efficient rail transport is estimated to decrease oil imports by 8 crore liters and lower carbon dioxide emissions by 42 crore kilograms. This impressive environmental impact is equivalent to planting 2 crore trees, aligning with India's long-term sustainability goals while modernizing the railway network for future demands.