Cabinet clears ₹1,332 crore doubling project for key rail route linking Tirupati

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Wednesday approved the doubling of the Tirupati–Pakala–Katpadi railway line at an estimated cost of ₹1,332 crore.

The project, spanning Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, aims to enhance rail connectivity in the region, especially to the pilgrimage city of Tirupati.

The line doubling will increase capacity and improve mobility on the section, enabling more efficient and reliable operations on one of Indian Railways’ busiest stretches.

The project will expand the existing railway network by about 113 km.

According to an official release, the multi-tracking proposal will benefit around 400 villages and a population of nearly 14 lakh. It is also expected to generate direct employment for about 35 lakh human-days during the construction phase.

Tirupati, which draws nearly 75,000 pilgrims daily to the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple and up to 1.5 lakh during peak days, will see improved accessibility due to the project. The railway line also connects other key religious and tourist sites, including Sri Kalahasti Shiva Temple, Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple, and Chandragiri Fort.

The project is part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity and aims to support integrated development through improved infrastructure.

The section plays a crucial role in freight movement, particularly for coal, agricultural produce, cement, and minerals.

The upgraded capacity is expected to handle an additional freight load of 4 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), the statement said.

The move is also seen as a step towards sustainable transport, with expected savings of 4 crore litres of oil and reduction of CO₂ emissions by 20 crore kg, equivalent to planting one crore trees.