Cabinet clears Tirupati-Katpadi rail doubling project; Rs 1,332 crore boost to connectivity, tourism
VIJAYAWADA/TIRUPATI: In a landmark decision for railway infrastructure development, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the doubling of the Tirupati-Pakala-Katpadi railway line, a vital 104-kilometer single-line section linking Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Announced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, this Rs 1,332 crore project expands the Indian Railways network by 113 kilometers of track length, promising to decongest one of the busiest rail corridors, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure greater service reliability.
Executed under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity, the initiative reflects integrated planning to facilitate seamless movement of people, goods, and services, aligning with Modi’s vision of a self-reliant “New India.”
The upgraded railway line serves as a critical connector to iconic cultural and religious destinations, including the Tirupati Balaji Temple, Srikalahasti Temple, Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple, and Chandragiri Fort, drawing pilgrims and tourists from across India.
Beyond its cultural significance, the project enhances access to prominent educational and healthcare hubs in Vellore and Tirupati, directly benefiting around 14 lakh residents across approximately 400 villages in three districts: Chittoor and Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh and Vellore in Tamil Nadu.
New railway line a boon to agri, electronics sectors
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu lauded the decision, extending gratitude to PM Modi, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and the Union Cabinet for prioritising this transformative infrastructure upgrade.
Speaking to TNIE, Chittoor MP Daggumalla Prasad Rao applauded the tireless efforts of the Chief Minister for his continuous follow-up with the Government of India over AP railway projects. He said that pertaining to the Tirupati-Katpadi 104 km railway doubling project, railway authorities had finished the DPR and all the other technical formalities. At the earliest, the doubling work will commence between Tirupati and Katpadi.
Economically, the project is a game-changer for the region. It strengthens the agricultural backbone of the Rayalaseema region by improving transport logistics for farmers while also catalysing growth in key industries such as electronics, cement, and steel across Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
The doubled line, equipped with 15 stations, 17 major bridges, 327 minor bridges, seven road-over-bridges (ROBs), and 30 road-under-bridges (RUBs), boosts freight capacity by an additional 4 MT per annum. Key commodities like coal, agricultural products, cement, and minerals will see improved transportation efficiency, reducing reliance on costlier alternatives.
The environmental and economic dividends of this railway enhancement are substantial. The shift to rail is projected to save 4 crore litres of diesel annually and slash CO2 emissions by 20 crore kilograms—equivalent to the carbon sequestration of planting 1 crore trees—supporting India’s climate goals.
Further, logistics costs are expected to drop by Rs 449 crore each year compared to road transport, offering significant savings for businesses and the government alike.