Union Cabinet Approves ₹10,021 Crore Railway Multitracking Projects Across Five States Including Karnataka

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved five major railway multitracking projects with a combined estimated outlay of ₹10,021 crore. Announced through an official government press release by the Press Information Bureau, the infrastructure expansion will cover 17 districts across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, adding approximately 540 kilometres to the Indian Railways network. A key highlight for Karnataka is the construction of the 3rd and 4th railway lines along the 47-kilometre stretch connecting Whitefield in Bengaluru to Bangarapet in Kolar district. This critical corridor currently experiences heavy traffic congestion, serving as a crucial artery for suburban commuter travel, inter-city passenger services, and freight traffic towards Chennai and eastern ports. The additional lines will enhance line capacity, improve train punctuality, and enable faster freight movement under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. Other approved projects under this package include the 147-km Hosur–Omalur line doubling, 159-km Salem–Karur–Dindigul doubling, 77-km Arakkonam–Renigunta multitracking, and 110-km Secunderabad–Kazipet section tracking. Designed for completion by 2029–30, these multitracking initiatives are expected to streamline passenger mobility, reduce logistical costs for industries, and lower carbon emissions by diverting heavy long-distance freight from road to rail networks.