The Centre’s Network Planning Group (NPG) recently evaluated key railway infrastructure projects, including the 185 km Ballari-Chikjajur Doubling project. This initiative aims to connect Ballari, Chitradurga, and Anantapur districts, enhancing the movement of commodities such as iron ore, coal, cement, and food grains. The 4th line is expected to support industrial hubs like Jindal Steel, set to expand production to 24 MTPA, while addressing freight demands for southern ports. The project is poised to alleviate line saturation, improve freight efficiency, and bolster rail capacity, fostering socio-economic growth and attracting investments in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Additionally, it is expected to create jobs, lower industrial transportation costs, and strengthen India’s multimodal logistics network.
The NPG, chaired by Rajeev Singh Thakur, Additional Secretary of DPIIT, also reviewed the 147 km Hosur-Omalur rail line doubling project. This initiative will connect the agro-industrial region of Hosur with Salem, Tamil Nadu’s commercial hub. The route is designed to support sectors like cement, agro-processing, and automobile logistics while maintaining strong ties with Bangalore’s electronics and IT corridor. By linking industrial hubs like Salem Steel Plant, TNPL, and nearby SEZs to Salem and Bangalore airports, the project is expected to enhance multimodal connectivity, address capacity constraints, boost freight efficiency, support tourism, and drive regional economic integration.
The 173.18 km Secunderabad-Wadi Quadrupling project was also reviewed, targeting 3rd and 4th line construction on this critical freight and passenger corridor in South Central India. This project is designed to serve industrial hubs such as Tandur, Sedam, and Nagulapalli, facilitating the movement of coal, cement, and food grains. With utilization currently exceeding 114%, the expansion will reduce congestion, enhance reliability, and support freight growth for industries in Telangana and Karnataka. By easing pressure on existing infrastructure and aligning with PM GatiShakti principles, the project is set to boost regional economic growth, improve passenger convenience, and foster socio-economic development.
