New Delhi: In a significant boost to rail infrastructure in southern India, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the doubling of the Tirupati–Pakala–Katpadi railway line. The project, covering a 104-km stretch across Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, will be implemented at an estimated cost of Rs 1,332 crore.
The project is aimed at enhancing line capacity, improving mobility, and ensuring better efficiency and service reliability across Indian Railways. The section forms part of one of the busiest railway corridors and the doubling initiative is expected to ease operations, reduce congestion, and support the growing passenger and freight traffic in the region.
According to the government, this development aligns with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity. The integrated planning approach under Gati Shakti has enabled faster approvals and seamless execution of key infrastructure projects. The new line will add approximately 113 km to the Indian Railways network and will serve districts in both Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
The route is strategically important, not just for its connectivity to major religious and tourist destinations such as the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Sri Kalahasti Shiva Temple, Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple, and Chandragiri Fort, but also for its role in boosting regional economic activity. The project is expected to improve access for around 400 villages and benefit a population of nearly 14 lakh people.
From a logistics and industrial perspective, the doubling of the line is critical for the transport of coal, cement, agricultural produce, and other minerals. The enhanced capacity is projected to generate an additional freight traffic volume of 4 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA).
Beyond economic gains, the project is also expected to yield significant environmental benefits. With railways being a cleaner mode of transportation, the capacity augmentation is likely to save around 4 crore litres of oil annually, reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20 crore kg, and achieve an ecological impact equivalent to planting one crore trees.
The government said the project is a step towards realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of a “New India” and will promote self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) by driving comprehensive regional development and expanding employment and self-employment opportunities in the area.
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