Cabinet Approves ₹1,264 Cr Rail Lines in Karnataka, Andhra

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved a major railway infrastructure project worth ₹1,264 crore on Friday. The government initiative sanctions third and fourth railway lines on the Ballari-Guntakal section connecting Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Executed under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the project expands the Indian Railways network by 46 kilometers. The multi-tracking corridor spans three districts across both southern states. It will directly enhance rail connectivity for around seven lakh citizens living across 99 regional villages.

The Ballari-Guntakal rail route serves as a vital trunk corridor for moving essential industrial commodities. Freight trains regularly carry iron ore, dolomite, limestone, coal, steel, fertilizers, and foodgrains through this sector. The new lines will boost the freight capacity by an additional 16.22 million tonnes per annum. To support the expanded multi-track route, the project incorporates 60 bridges. These engineering works feature a 762-meter mega bridge over the Vedavathi River, alongside seven major bridges and 52 minor bridges.

Ministry officials expect to complete the railway line expansion within a three-year timeframe. Once operational, the enhanced infrastructure will streamline train movements, reduce congestion, and raise network efficiency. The project will facilitate faster cargo transit for the Ballari-Hospete steel and cement clusters, improve port connectivity, and aid tourists visiting Ballari Fort. Furthermore, the initiative will generate 31 lakh human-days of employment, save ₹149 crore in annual logistics costs, and cut CO2 emissions by 6.67 crore kilograms every year.