Cabinet approves 3rd and 4th line for Ballari-Guntakal section to add 46 km to railway network
New Delhi, July 24
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today approved the 3rd and 4th Line of Ballari-Guntakal section in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh with a total cost of Rs. 1,264 crore, as per the release.
The project is planned on the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan with a focus on enhancing multi-modal connectivity & logistic efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations. This project will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods, and services.
The project covering 03 Districts across the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 46 Kms.
The proposed multi-tracking project will enhance connectivity to approximately 99 villages, which have a population of about seven lakhs.
The capacity enhancement will improve rail connectivity to several prominent tourist destinations across the country, including Ballari Fort, Kumara Swamy Temple, etc.
According to the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), the proposed project is an essential route for transportation of commodities such as iron ore, dolomite, limestone, iron and steel, coal, fertilisers, food grains, etc. The capacity augmentation works will result in additional freight traffic of magnitude 16.22 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum).
The Railways, being an environment-friendly and energy-efficient mode of transportation, will help both in achieving climate goals and minimising logistics cost of the country, reduce oil import (1.32 Crore Litres) and lower CO2 emissions (6.67 Crore Kg), which is equivalent to plantation of 0.27 crore trees.
The increased line capacity will significantly enhance mobility, resulting in improved operational efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways. This multi-tracking proposal is poised to streamline operations and alleviate congestion. The project is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a New India, which will make people of the region "Atmanirbhar" by way of comprehensive development in the area, which will enhance their employment/ self-employment opportunities.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that Cabinet approves Rs 1,264 crore rail project, new scheme to boost chemical sector
"The Cabinet has taken two big decisions - First, approval given for third and fourth line on Bellary-Guntakal rail section, which falls on the important economic corridor between Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The project will be done with an investment of Rs 1,264 crore. DPR is under preparation for the railway line from Hospet to Hubballi. Second, the Cabinet has approved a new scheme to develop the chemical sector in a new way in the country," he said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The environmental benefits mentioned are impressive - 6.67 crore kg CO2 reduction and saving 1.32 crore litres of oil! It's nice to see infrastructure projects with climate goals in mind. But I do wonder about land acquisition - hope local farmers are compensated fairly. Regular news like this makes me feel proud of India's progress.
Great move! As someone from Bellary, I know how choked this line gets with iron ore trains. The 16.22 MTPA additional freight capacity will be a game-changer for local steel plants. But the article mentions 'Alleviate congestion' - let's see if they also improve passenger services, not just freight. 😉
Interesting development. As an observer of Indian infra, this shows coordinated planning with PM Gati Shakti. The cost seems reasonable at Rs. 1,264 crore for 46 km. Will be curious to see execution timeline - hope it doesn't get delayed like some other projects. Also, good to see two states (Karnataka & AP) cooperating!
About time they upgraded this route! The Ballari-Hospet-Guntakal triangle is crucial for Mineral exports. But where's the mention of passenger amenities? 99 villages with 7 lakh people nearby - those communities need better train access too. Hope the DPR for Hospet-Hubballi line included in this as well. Good step, but more needed. 🚃
This is exactly the kind of regional development we need! Ballari Fort and Kumara Swamy Temple tourism will benefit, and local employment opportunities will rise. The 'Atmanirbhar' vision connecting supply chains
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