Five multi-tracking rail projects worth Rs 10,021 crore in five states have been approved by the cabinet.

Five multitracking railway projects totalling Rs 10,021 crore were authorised on Wednesday by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, which is led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The five projects will add over 540 km to the current Indian Railroads network, including 17 districts in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana. With a population of over 52 lakh, the multi-tracking projects would improve connection to nearly 2,121 communities.

According to an official statement, these projects include the 77-kilometer Arakkonam-Renigunta Third and Fourth Line, the 47-kilometer Whitefield-Bangarapet Third and Fourth Line, the 147-kilometer Hosur-Omalur Doubling, the 159-kilometer Salem-Karur-Dindigul Doubling, and the 110-kilometer Secunderabad (Ghatkesar)-Kazipet.

Mobility will be greatly improved by the larger line capacity, which will boost Indian Railroads’ operational effectiveness and service dependability. These multi-tracking projects, which are expected to be finished by 2029–2030, are expected to reduce traffic. With an emphasis on improving multi-modal connectivity and logistical efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder discussions, the projects are planned under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan. These initiatives will offer smooth connectivity for the flow of people, products, and services.

The approved capacity enhancement will improve rail connectivity to several prominent tourist destinations across the country, including Tirupati, Subramaniya Swamy Temple (Tiruttani), Sri Padmavati Ammavaari Temple (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 transportation of goods including coal, cement, iron, steel, containers, cars, food grains, petroleum products, fertilisers, etc. depends on these projects. An additional 47 MTPA (million tonnes per year) of freight traffic will be generated by the capacity augmentation projects. As an eco-friendly and energy-efficient form of transportation, the railroads will help the nation achieve its climate goals and minimise its logistics costs. They will cut oil imports by about 8 crore litres and CO2 emissions by 42 crore kg, which is equal to planting about 2 crore trees, according to the statement.