New Delhi: The Union Cabinet has approved the construction of third and fourth railway lines on the Ballari to Guntakal section, covering parts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The project is expected to add around 46 kilometres to the existing Indian Railways network.
The ₹1,264 crore project will pass through three districts and is scheduled for completion by 2028-29. According to a statement issued by the Press Information Bureau on July 24, the new lines are aimed at easing congestion and improving the movement of passengers and freight on the busy route.
Nearly 100 villages to get better rail linksThe railway expansion is expected to improve connectivity for around 99 villages with a combined population of nearly seven lakh.
The Ballari-Guntakal section carries both passenger trains and heavy freight traffic. More railway tracks can allow trains to move with fewer delays and reduce waiting time at busy junctions.
The project is being planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which brings rail, road and other transport planning under a common framework.
Tourist destinations such as Ballari Fort and Sri Kumara Swamy Temple may get better access once the additional lines are completed.
Freight capacity to rise by 16.22 million tonnesThe route is widely used to transport key goods, including:
- Iron ore
- Coal
- Limestone and dolomite
- Iron and steel
- Fertilisers
- Food grains
The government expects the project to create additional freight capacity of around 16.22 million tonnes per year.
According to the official estimate, the new rail lines could reduce oil use by about 1.32 crore litres and cut carbon dioxide emissions by around 6.67 crore kilograms.
The government compared the estimated emission reduction to planting nearly 27 lakh trees.
Project completion expected by 2028-29The additional tracks are expected to improve train movement, service reliability and freight operations between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
Construction will continue in phases and the full project is expected to be completed by 2028-29. The final impact on passenger schedules and freight movement will depend on how quickly land, construction and operational clearances are completed.
-
Dinesh Karthik Reacts After Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation, Shares Message For India's Youth
-
ABP LIVE Doc Talk | How The Rainy Season Can Worsen Parkinson's Symptoms And What Caregivers Should Know
-
Rahul Gandhi Hails Pradhan's Exit As 'Huge Step', Says Students Forced Govt To Bow
-
Brazil Football Team Reportedly To Play International Friendly In India; Kolkata Leads Race To Host
-
CWG 2026: Will BCCI's No-Handshake Protocol With Pakistan Spill Over To The Commonwealth Games?
