Hubballi: The Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of third and fourth railway lines on the Ballari–Guntakal section spanning Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh at an estimated cost of Rs 1,264 crore.Union minister Pralhad Joshi said in a press release that the project has been planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan with a focus on enhancing multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations.“This project will provide seamless connectivity for the movement of people, goods and services. Covering three districts in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, it will expand the Indian Railways network by about 46 km. The proposed multi-tracking project will improve connectivity to nearly 99 villages with a combined population of around seven lakh.
CJP Jantar Mantar Protest Updates
The enhanced capacity will also strengthen rail access to key tourist destinations, including Ballari Fort and Sri Kumara Swamy Temple,” he said.Joshi further stated that the route is vital for the transportation of commodities such as iron ore, dolomite, limestone, iron and steel, coal, fertilisers and foodgrains. “The capacity augmentation is expected to facilitate additional freight traffic of 16.2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). As railways are an environment-friendly and energy-efficient mode of transport, the project will contribute to climate goals, reduce logistics costs, lower oil imports by 1.3 crore litres and cut CO2 emissions by 6.6 crore kg, equivalent to planting 0.2 crore trees.“The project aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a New India and will promote comprehensive regional development, creating greater employment and self-employment opportunities while helping make the people of the region more ‘Atmanirbhar’,” he added.
