SynopsisThe Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved five railway projects costing over Rs 10,021 crore. These projects will add five hundred forty kilometers to the Indian Railways network by 2030. The approved routes will ease congestion and improve train movement across four southern states. This expansion will enhance rail connectivity to numerous villages and tourist destinations. The initiative aims to reduce logistics costs and environmental impact significantly.Listen to this article in summarized formatAgenciesIndian Railways to get Rs 10,021 crore worth rail multi-tracking projects across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and TelanganaThe Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved five railway multi-tracking projects with an estimated cost of about Rs 10,021 crore, aimed at expanding capacity across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana.The projects, which are planned to be completed by 2029-30, will add around 540 km to the existing Indian Railways network and cover 17 districts across the four states, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced.Also read: Cabinet clears Rs 10,783 crore railway multi-tracking projects across five statesThese projects include:Arakkonam – Renigunta 3rd and 4th Line – 77 kmsWhitefield – Bangarapet 3rd and 4th Line – 47 kmsHosur – Omalur Doubling – 147 kmsSalem – Karur – Dindigul Doubling – 159 kmsMultitracking of Secunderabad (Ghatkesar) – Kazipet – 110 kmsThe capacity expansion is aimed at easing congestion, improving train movement and enhancing operational efficiency and service reliability on key passenger and freight corridors, the government said.The projects have been planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, with a focus on improving multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency through integrated infrastructure planning.According to the government, the projects will improve rail connectivity to around 2,121 villages with a combined population of about 52 lakh.The expanded rail network is also expected to improve access to key tourist and religious destinations across southern India, including Tirupati, the Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Tiruttani, Sri Padmavati Ammavaari Temple in Tiruchanur, Kolar Gold Fields, Hogenakkal Falls, Mettur Dam, Kodaikanal Hills and Yadagirigutta Temple, among others.The approved corridors are important for the movement of commodities including coal, cement, iron and steel, containers, automobiles, foodgrains, petroleum products and fertilisers. The capacity augmentation is expected to facilitate additional freight traffic of around 47 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).The government said the projects would also support efforts to reduce the country's logistics costs and environmental footprint by shifting more freight movement to rail.Also read: India eyes Rs 45,000 crore rail push to strengthen borders with China, Pakistan, BangladeshThe additional capacity is expected to reduce oil imports by around 8 crore litres and lower carbon dioxide emissions by about 42 crore kg, equivalent to the plantation of around 2 crore trees.The five projects form part of a broader push by the government to expand railway infrastructure, remove bottlenecks on high-density routes and build additional capacity to support rising passenger and freight traffic.Read More News on...moreless