104 km Railway Line Doubling Approved For Tirupati-Pakala-Katpadi Section

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the doubling of the Tirupati-Pakala-Katpadi railway line, spanning 104 km across Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The project, aimed at enhancing railway efficiency and reducing congestion, will be executed at an estimated cost of ₹1,332 crore.

The expansion is expected to significantly improve mobility in the region, strengthening rail services for both passengers and freight transportation. As part of the government's multi-tracking initiative, the project aligns with the Prime Minister's vision of a modern, self-reliant India, fostering infrastructural growth that will create new employment and self-employment opportunities for local communities.

A key component of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the railway line upgrade will provide seamless multi-modal connectivity, benefiting trade, tourism, and transportation across the region. The project extends across three districts in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, adding approximately 113 km to the existing railway network.

The doubling of the track will significantly improve access to major religious and tourist destinations, including the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Sri Kalahasti Shiva Temple, Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple, and Chandragiri Fort. The enhanced connectivity is expected to benefit around 14 lakh people across 400 villages, boosting economic activity and tourism inflow.

Additionally, the upgraded railway line will play a vital role in the transportation of key commodities such as coal, cement, agricultural produce, and minerals. With an expected increase in freight capacity of 4 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), the project will help reduce logistics costs while promoting a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly mode of transport.

The initiative is projected to lower India's oil imports by approximately 4 crore liters and reduce carbon emissions by 20 crore kilograms, which is equivalent to planting one crore trees. The project underscores Indian Railways' commitment to modernizing infrastructure while contributing to the nation's sustainability and economic development goals.