Union Cabinet approves Rs 3,342 cr Ballari-Chikjajur Rail doubling project to boost connectivity

On June 11, 2025, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Rs 3,342 crore Ballari-Chikjajur railway doubling project, spanning 185 kilometers across Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The project, traversing Ballari and Chitradurga districts in Karnataka and Anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh, aims to enhance rail connectivity and operational efficiency in this mineral-rich region. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the decision, highlighting its environmental and economic benefits.

Cabinet approved Ballari-Chikjajur doubling project across Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh.
- Distance: 185 km
- ⁠Cost: ₹3,342 Cr

✅ Will save 101 Cr kg CO2 (= planting 4 Cr trees)
✅ Important line connecting Mangalore port to Secunderabad
✅ Enhancing mobility to 470 villages &… pic.twitter.com/4gTJvZXYqj

— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw)

Cabinet approved Ballari-Chikjajur doubling project across Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh.
- Distance: 185 km
- ⁠Cost: ₹3,342 Cr

✅ Will save 101 Cr kg CO2 (= planting 4 Cr trees)
✅ Important line connecting Mangalore port to Secunderabad
✅ Enhancing mobility to 470 villages &… pic.twitter.com/4gTJvZXYqj

— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) June 11, 2025

">June 11, 2025

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The doubled rail line will connect Mangalore port to Secunderabad, facilitating smoother freight and passenger movement. It is expected to improve mobility for approximately 470 villages, benefiting a population of 13 lakh. The project will also reduce congestion on this critical corridor, boosting the transport of goods like iron ore and other minerals. Environmentally, the initiative is projected to save 101 crore kilograms of CO2 emissions annually, equivalent to planting 4 crore trees, aligning with India’s climate goals.

The Ballari-Chikjajur doubling is part of a broader Rs 6,405 crore railway expansion plan, which includes another project in Jharkhand. Together, these initiatives will expand the Indian Railways network by 318 kilometers, enhancing freight capacity by 49 million tonnes per annum. The project supports the PM-Gati Shakti infrastructure plan, aiming to reduce logistics costs and improve regional trade. Local communities and industries are expected to benefit from faster, more reliable rail services, fostering economic growth in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

The approval has been welcomed by stakeholders, with railway officials emphasizing its role in modernizing South India’s rail infrastructure. The project is poised to transform connectivity, ensuring sustainable and efficient transportation for years to come.