Howrah–Chennai Railway Update: Government approves ₹9,889 crore project for 3rd and 4th lines in Andhra Pradesh
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has officially approved the Rajahmundry (Nidadavolu) – Visakhapatnam (Duvvada) 3rd and 4th line project. This 198 km long quadrupling initiative is a critical part of the Howrah–Chennai High Density Network. The project aims to handle the increasing traffic and provide smoother connectivity across the eastern coast of India.
What are the main technical details and costs involved?
The estimated investment for this specific section is approximately ₹9,889 crore. It will pass through several key districts in Andhra Pradesh including East Godavari, Kakinada, and Visakhapatnam. A major highlight of the project is the construction of a 4.3 km long bridge over the Godavari River along with a 2.67 km viaduct. This new route will be about 8 km shorter than the existing track, helping in faster movement of trains.
What are the expected benefits for the common man and economy?
The project is expected to generate significant local employment and improve logistics efficiency for industries. It will enhance connectivity to vital ports and pilgrimage sites like Annavaram and Draksharamam. The project falls under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan for integrated infrastructure development. Key highlights of the approved project are mentioned below:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Length | 198 Kilometers |
| Estimated Cost | ₹9,889 Crore |
| New Employment | 135 Lakh Human-days |
| Logistics Savings | ₹1,150.56 Crore per year |
| New Freight Capacity | 29.04 MTPA |
| Key Districts | Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, East Godavari |