New Delhi: The Centre has approved a ₹1,332 crore railway project to double the Tirupati–Pakala–Katpadi line spanning Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, in a move aimed at easing rail congestion, enhancing travel convenience, and boosting freight capacity on one of the busiest stretches in southern India.

Green signal for key southern rail link

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cleared the proposal on Wednesday.

The project covers 104 km and will add 113 km of railway network by expanding the existing infrastructure through multi-tracking.

More efficiency, less emissions

According to the government, the project will reduce logistics costs, cut oil imports by 4 crore litres, and lower carbon emissions by 20 crore kilograms — the equivalent of planting 1 crore trees.

Improved line capacity is expected to increase the reliability and efficiency of Indian Railways' operations while making them more sustainable.

Economic and employment boost for two states

The new line, which traverses three districts across Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, is part of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan and is expected to provide a significant push to economic development in the region.

It is projected to generate 35 lakh human-days of employment during construction and directly benefit nearly 14 lakh people in about 400 villages.

Connecting major pilgrimage centres

This strategic railway section links major religious and tourist sites including the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Sri Kalahasti Shiva Temple, Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple, and Chandragiri Fort.

Tirupati alone draws nearly 75,000 visitors daily, with numbers peaking at 1.5 lakh on festive occasions.

Critical for freight movement

In addition to easing passenger traffic, the upgraded route will handle a projected increase of 4 million tonnes per annum in freight.

It is a key corridor for the transport of coal, cement, minerals, and agricultural produce, contributing to the region’s industrial and agrarian supply chains.

Atmanirbhar Bharat push

The project aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of a “New India” and is aimed at fostering self-reliance by opening up new opportunities for employment, business and mobility in the region through integrated, multi-modal connectivity.