Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Sep 9: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved five multi-tracking railway projects with a total investment of Rs 10,021 crore.
The five projects, spread across 17 districts in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana, will add around 540 km to the existing Indian Railways network and improve connectivity to approximately 2,121 villages with a combined population of about 52 lakh.
According to an official statement, the approved projects are:
- **Arakkonam-Renigunta 3rd and 4th Line: 77 km
- **Whitefield-Bangarapet 3rd and 4th Line: 47 km
- **Hosur-Omalur Doubling: 147 km
- **Salem-Karur-Dindigul Doubling: 159 km
- **Secunderabad (Ghatkesar)-Kazipet: 110 km
The increased line capacity is expected to significantly improve mobility, operational efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways. The multi-tracking works will help ease congestion and are scheduled for completion by 2029-30.
The projects have been planned under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, with a focus on improving multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency through integrated planning and consultations with stakeholders.
The enhanced rail network will provide seamless connectivity for the movement of people, goods and services.
The projects will also improve rail connectivity to several prominent tourist destinations, including Tirupati, Subramaniya Swamy Temple at Tiruttani, Sri Padmavati Ammavaari Temple at Tiruchanur, Kotilingeshwara Devaalaya, Sri Seethi Byraveshwara Swamy Temple, Bangaru Tirupati, Kolar Gold Fields, Hogennakkal 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.
The routes are also important for transporting commodities such as coal, cement, iron and steel, containers, automobiles, foodgrains, petroleum products and fertilisers.
The capacity augmentation is expected to generate additional freight traffic of around 47 MTPA (million tonnes per annum).
The government said the projects would also contribute to India's environmental and energy-efficiency goals, as railways are considered an environment-friendly and energy-efficient mode of transportation.
The projects are expected to help reduce logistics costs, cut oil imports by around 8 crore litres and lower CO2 emissions by approximately 42 crore kg, equivalent to the environmental benefit of planting around 2 crore trees, the statement added.