The Centre’s Network Planning Group (NPG) which met evaluated major railway infrastructure projects including the 185 km Ballari - Chikjajur Doubling project which aims to connect Ballari, Chitradurga, and Anantapur districts, facilitating the movement of iron ore, coal, cement, and food grains. An official statement said that the 4th line is expected to support industrial hubs like Jindal Steel, which is planning to expand production to 24 MTPA while addressing freight demands linked to southern ports. The project is anticipated to alleviate line saturation, improve efficiency in freight movement and enhance rail capacity.