Union Cabinet Approves Three Major Railway Projects in Tamil Nadu Worth ₹10,021 Crore

The Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved three major railway capacity augmentation projects in Tamil Nadu, covering a total distance of 383 km. The projects are part of a larger ₹10,021-crore package covering five multitracking projects across four States.

The approved railway projects are expected to strengthen passenger and freight connectivity, improve rail capacity and support industrial and tourism growth across Tamil Nadu.

Three Major Railway Projects in Tamil Nadu

The projects approved for Tamil Nadu include:

Arakkonam–Renigunta: 77 km, involving the construction of the third and fourth railway lines

Hosur–Omalur: 147 km, involving doubling of the railway line

Salem–Karur–Dindigul: 159 km, involving doubling of the railway line

The works are planned for completion by 2029–30.

Arakkonam–Renigunta Third and Fourth Line

The 77-km Arakkonam–Renigunta railway project is expected to significantly increase rail capacity towards Andhra Pradesh and beyond.

The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the project has already been completed and submitted to the Railway Board for approval. The proposal involves extending additional railway lines beyond the existing four-line Chennai–Arakkonam section up to Renigunta.

The additional lines are expected to improve freight movement from Tamil Nadu towards Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra, while also helping ease congestion on the busy railway route.

Hosur–Omalur Railway Line Doubling

The 147-km Hosur–Omalur doubling project is expected to provide an important rail link for industries in Krishnagiri and Salem districts, improving connectivity with major cities such as Bengaluru and Chennai.

The additional railway capacity is expected to support the movement of both passenger and freight trains and strengthen connectivity between industrial centres in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Salem–Karur–Dindigul Railway Doubling

The 159-km Salem–Karur–Dindigul railway line doubling project will increase capacity along an important railway corridor in Tamil Nadu.

The project is expected to facilitate smoother movement of passenger and freight trains, improving connectivity between Salem, Karur and Dindigul.

Boost to Tourism and Religious Connectivity

The railway projects are also o expected to improve access to several important tourist and religious destinations in Tamil Nadu.

The improved rail connectivity will benefit destinations including Tiruttani, Kolar Gold Fields, Hogenakkal Falls, Hosur Fort, Mettur Dam, Kodaikanal Hills, Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary, Namakkal and Dindigul.

The three projects are therefore expected to provide a major boost to railway infrastructure, freight transportation, industrial connectivity and tourism in Tamil Nadu.