The project will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 113 km. Representational file image.
| Photo Credit: B Jothi Ramalingam
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Wednesday (April 9, 2025) approved the doubling of the Tirupati-Pakala-Katpadi railway line, spanning 104 km in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, at a cost of approximately ₹1,332 crore.
The project will “improve connectivity to the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, as well to other prominent destinations such as Sri Kalahasti Shiva Temple, Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple and the Chandragiri Fort, attracting pilgrims and tourists from across the country”, a spokesperson from the Indian Railways said.
The project covering three districts in the two States will enhance connectivity to approximately 400 villages and benefit about 14 lakh people.
The Tirupati-Katpadi section is also an essential route for transportation of coal, agricultural commodities, cement and other minerals. The capacity augmentation work will result in additional freight traffic to the tune of four million tonnes per annum, the spokesperson added.
The project will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 113 km.
‘Will ease congestion’
“The enhanced line capacity will improve mobility, providing enhanced efficiency and service reliability for the Indian Railways. The multi-tracking proposal will ease operations and reduce congestion, providing the much-required infrastructural development on the busiest sections across Indian Railways,” the spokesperson said.
The project is the result of PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity, aimed at ensuring seamless movement of people, goods and services.
Published – April 09, 2025 09:45 pm IST