The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a major rail capacity expansion project along the critical economic corridor connecting Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The project, estimated to cost over Rs 12,000 crore, involves doubling of railway lines and upgrading existing infrastructure to enhance both freight and passenger movement.
Project Details and Scope
The project covers a stretch of approximately 450 kilometers, including key sections such as Guntakal-Kadiri, Kadiri-Dharmavaram, and Dharmavaram-Pakala. The doubling of these lines will significantly increase capacity, reducing travel time and enabling higher train frequency. According to an official statement, the project is expected to be completed within five years.
Economic Impact and Benefits
The Andhra Pradesh-Karnataka corridor is vital for transporting goods such as iron ore, cement, and agricultural produce. The expansion is projected to boost regional GDP by improving connectivity to ports and industrial hubs. The official statement noted, "This project will significantly enhance rail connectivity and support industrial growth in the region, creating new employment opportunities and reducing logistics costs."
The project also includes modernization of signaling systems, station upgrades, and construction of new bridges and tunnels. It aligns with the government's focus on infrastructure development under the National Infrastructure Pipeline.
Funding and Implementation
The entire cost will be borne by the central government, with funding sourced through the Ministry of Railways' capital budget. The project will be implemented by the Indian Railways construction wing in coordination with state governments. Land acquisition and clearance processes are already underway.
This approval comes as part of a broader push to enhance rail capacity in the southern region, with several other corridor projects in the pipeline. The enhanced capacity is expected to reduce congestion on existing routes and improve supply chain efficiency for industries reliant on rail transport.
