Hyderabad: The Ramagundam–Manuguru railway line is poised to emerge as Telangana’s next major railway-driven economic hub. This proposed new railway line, spanning approximately 200 km and estimated to cost ₹5,000 crore, is expected to significantly boost freight and passenger connectivity in the region.
Projected Revenue and Freight Volume
The project is projected to generate annual revenue of around ₹460 crore in its initial years of operation. Within five years, revenue is expected to increase to nearly ₹720 crore annually through the transportation of about 12 million tonnes of freight, including coal and coke, food grains, cement, minerals, and ores.
Enhancing Passenger Travel
In addition to strengthening freight movement, the new rail corridor will enhance passenger travel by providing improved access to various parts of the country. Ramagundam’s strategic location on the high-density route connecting Chennai and Delhi will further enhance the region’s connectivity and economic prospects.
Direct Rail Link to Coal Mining Belts
The proposed line will establish a direct rail connection between the Singareni coal mining belts of Ramagundam and Bhadrachalam. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the project has already been completed and submitted to the Centre for approval. Authorities are targeting completion of the project within five years, including one year for land acquisition.
New Opportunities for Development
At present, coal transportation from Kothagudem to Ramagundam is routed through the busy Dornakal–Warangal–Ramagundam section, which forms part of the high-density New Delhi–Chennai corridor. This would transform regional connectivity and open up new opportunities for industrial and social development in the region.
The existing route is approximately 150 km longer than the proposed 207-km coal corridor between Ramagundam and Manuguru. The shorter alignment is expected to reduce transportation time, improve operational efficiency, and lower logistics costs.
Plans for Extension to Odisha
“There are also plans to extend railway connectivity from Kothagudem to Malkangiri in Odisha. The proposed link would provide access to the mining and industrial regions of Odisha and Chhattisgarh while simultaneously improving connectivity for remote tribal areas. The project would enable several trains originating from Odisha and Chhattisgarh to pass through Bhadradri Kothagudem en route to New Delhi,” said a senior official of South Central Railway.
The project is expected to unlock new avenues for economic growth, reduce logistics costs, and improve the quality of life for residents in the region. With the DPR already submitted, stakeholders are hopeful for swift approval and execution.
