Modi's cabinet have approved the third and fourth railway lines between Ballari in Karnataka and Guntakal in Andhra Pradesh, which is estimated to cost Rs. 1,264 crore.
This is part of the government's ambitious PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan which will build the transport infrastructure of India and link the country and its highways with the rest.
The railway expansion will not only help to increase passenger and freight movement in the region but also boost the economic growth in southern India. The upgraded rail corridor will benefit nearly 7 lakh people in 99 villages in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, the government said.
The Ballari-Guntakal railway line is a key railway line that carries heavy freight traffic in minerals, steel, cement and agricultural commodities. With the third and fourth rail lines, congestion on the existing tracks will be considerably reduced and trains will be more efficient, hence punctuality for passenger service will be improved.
The project will lead to an increase in line capacity, reduce the travel time to transport goods and will also make goods to ports and industrial centres faster, it said.
Enhanced rail lines will also reduce logistics costs which will also make industries in the region more competitive and would further support a government plan to boost domestic manufacturing.
This project is consistent with the objectives of PM Gati Shakti: integrated infrastructure development by linking railways, highways, ports, airports and logistics networks. In this respect, by boosting rail capacity, the government will create a clean transportation network that will contribute to economic progress and regional connectivity.
Another significant step towards building a modern and efficient railway network under #PMGatiShakti.
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) July 24, 2026
Under the chairmanship of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @NarendraModi ji, the Union Cabinet has approved the 3rd and 4th rail line between Ballari and Guntakal in Karnataka and… pic.twitter.com/U20JLBUrGY
Other than better transport connections, the railway expansion would also create jobs during construction. Better connectivity is also expected to drive investments in industries, trade, tourism and local businesses in the affected districts.
The Ballari area is one of India’s major mining and industrial zones and Guntakal is an important junction connecting southern and central India. The development of this route would boost the efficiency of Indian Railways, and allow for smooth movement of freight across the different states.
The government said this project reflects its commitment to building a modern, reliable, and future-ready railway network capable of meeting the growing transportation demands of a rapidly expanding economy.
It also is in line with India’s long-term infrastructure agenda of building a more sustainable network of rail which is more efficient and environmentally sound than road.
The infrastructure experts believe that increasing railway capacity on busy routes is critical for faster growth and less logistics bottlenecks and hence to reduce the obstacles. Once completed, the Ballari-Guntakal third and fourth rail lines will be good for connecting the transportation network of southern India and for the development of an integrated and connected India.
The approval marks another step in the PM Gati Shakti strategy, and further the government’s focus on building world-class infrastructure that is good for regional development and national economic development.
