Centre Approves Ballari–Guntakal Rail Line Expansion for Faster Freight Connectivity

The Union Cabinet recently approved the construction of third and fourth railway lines on the Ballari–Guntakal section in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh at an estimated cost of ₹1,264 crore.

The project, scheduled for completion by 2028-29, will add around 46 km to the Indian Railways network and is aimed at increasing route capacity, improving freight movement and reducing congestion on the busy corridor.

The rail expansion will be undertaken under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, with a focus on enhancing multimodal connectivity and improving logistics efficiency through integrated infrastructure development.

The project will cover three districts across Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and is expected to improve rail connectivity for nearly 99 villages with a combined population of around seven lakh people. It will also boost access to key tourist destinations such as Ballari Fort and the Sri Kumara Swamy Temple.

The government said the Ballari–Guntakal section serves as a crucial freight route for the transportation of commodities including iron ore, dolomite, limestone, iron and steel, coal, fertilisers and foodgrains.

The additional railway capacity is expected to support the movement of around 16.22 million tonnes of freight annually. The government estimates that shifting more freight traffic to rail will help reduce logistics costs, lower oil consumption by about 1.32 crore litres and cut carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 6.67 crore kg.

The capacity enhancement is expected to improve operational efficiency, strengthen service reliability on the route and support regional economic growth and employment generation.