Cabinet approves ₹6,405 crore for railway doubling projects in three states

The Union Cabinet authorised two railway doubling projects for ₹6,405 crore to improve connectivity in Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. The Koderma-Barkakana and Ballari-Chikjajur sections, which span 318 kilometres, will improve freight and passenger mobility, hence aiding the PM Gati Shakti infrastructure push.

The Union Cabinet authorised two railway doubling projects for ₹6,405 crore to improve capacity and efficiency in Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. These projects, which include doubling the Koderma-Barkakana line in Jharkhand and the Ballari-Chikjajur line in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, would cover a total of 318 kilometres and are anticipated to be finished within three years.

The 133-kilometre Koderma-Barkakana stretch will greatly increase rail connectivity throughout Jharkhand’s coal belt, allowing for more efficient transit of people and freight. This corridor connects four districts and about 938 villages, providing an important link between Patna and Ranchi. The project intends to decongest current routes and improve the efficiency of cargo transportation, particularly coal.

Meanwhile, the 185-kilometre Ballari-Chikjajur stretch, which also runs through Andhra Pradesh’s Anantapur district, will increase freight capacity in South India and improve access to Mangaluru Port. The route, which runs through Karnataka’s Ballari and Chitradurga districts, is projected to facilitate the movement of minerals and industrial commodities, hence enhancing regional trade and communication.

Together, the two projects are expected to enhance freight flow by up to 49 million tonnes per year, slash logistical costs, and reduce carbon emissions. They are part of the larger PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which aims to create integrated and high-impact infrastructure to boost economic growth and regional development.