Cabinet Clears Doubling of Tirupati-Katpadi Rail Line

10 Apr 2025 CW Team

Boost to Pilgrimage, Connectivity and Commerce The upgraded line will offer faster, more reliable travel to Tirupati, home to the revered Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, which sees 75,000 pilgrims daily—rising to 1.5 lakh during festive occasions. The line also connects key religious and tourist sites such as the Sri Kalahasti Shiva Temple, Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple, and Chandragiri Fort.

The project will directly benefit approximately 400 villages and a population of 14 lakh, enhancing connectivity, creating opportunities, and stimulating regional development.

Sustainable Development and Strategic Significance Aligned with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, this multi-tracking project is a result of integrated planning for seamless multimodal connectivity. The initiative is expected to generate employment equal to 35 lakh human-days during construction.

Strategically, the line is a crucial corridor for transporting coal, cement, agricultural goods, and minerals. It is expected to handle an additional 4 million tonnes per annum in freight, lowering logistics costs while reducing oil imports by 4 crore litres and CO? emissions by 20 crore kilograms—equivalent to planting one crore trees.

Atmanirbhar Push and Regional Empowerment By boosting mobility, trade, tourism, and employment, the project supports the Prime Minister’s vision of a self-reliant India. It will not only modernise a vital railway route but also empower communities across Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu with enhanced access and economic opportunity

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the doubling of the 104-km Tirupati–Pakala–Katpadi railway line, which passes through Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The Rs 13.32 billion initiative will significantly enhance connectivity, reduce logistics cost, and support eco-friendly, efficient railway operations. Boost to Pilgrimage, Connectivity and Commerce The upgraded line will offer faster, more reliable travel to Tirupati, home to the revered Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, which sees 75,000 pilgrims daily—rising to 1.5 lakh during festive occasions. The line also connects key religious and tourist sites such as the Sri Kalahasti Shiva Temple, Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple, and Chandragiri Fort. The project will directly benefit approximately 400 villages and a population of 14 lakh, enhancing connectivity, creating opportunities, and stimulating regional development. Sustainable Development and Strategic Significance Aligned with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, this multi-tracking project is a result of integrated planning for seamless multimodal connectivity. The initiative is expected to generate employment equal to 35 lakh human-days during construction. Strategically, the line is a crucial corridor for transporting coal, cement, agricultural goods, and minerals. It is expected to handle an additional 4 million tonnes per annum in freight, lowering logistics costs while reducing oil imports by 4 crore litres and CO? emissions by 20 crore kilograms—equivalent to planting one crore trees. Atmanirbhar Push and Regional Empowerment By boosting mobility, trade, tourism, and employment, the project supports the Prime Minister’s vision of a self-reliant India. It will not only modernise a vital railway route but also empower communities across Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu with enhanced access and economic opportunity

Infrastructure Urban

07 Oct 2025

India To Invest $37 Billion To Boost Petrochemical Capacity

India is set to become a major global player in the petrochemicals industry, driven by a planned capital expenditure of $37 billion (Rs 3.1 trillion) aimed at reducing import dependency and enhancing self-sufficiency, according to S&P Global Ratings.In its latest report titled “First China, Now India: Self-Sufficiency Goals Will Add To Petrochemicals Supply”, S&P said India’s large-scale capacity expansion—mirroring China’s earlier push—will likely intensify oversupply pressures in Asia’s petrochemical markets.Currently the world’s third-largest petrochemical consumer a..

Infrastructure Transport

07 Oct 2025

Indian Railways Expands Global Exports Of Rail Equipment

Indian Railways has announced that it is rapidly emerging as a global exporter of railway equipment, including bogies, coaches, locomotives, and propulsion systems, under the government’s ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ initiative.According to an official statement, India’s railway products are now reaching over 16 international markets, reflecting the country’s growing capacity to design, develop, and deliver world-class rail solutions.Metro coaches have been exported to Australia and Canada; bogies to the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, France, and Australia; propulsion systems t..

Infrastructure Transport

07 Oct 2025

RailTel Awards Rs 163 Million Contract To RTNS Technology

RailTel Corporation of India Limited (RailTel), a Mini Ratna Public Sector Undertaking, has awarded a domestic work order worth Rs 163 million to RTNS Technology Private Limited.The contract, issued on 30 September 2025, involves the supply and installation of equipment and related services for one of RailTel’s key customers. The project underscores RailTel’s commitment to advancing technology and communication infrastructure through collaboration with domestic system integrators.RTNS Technology Private Limited, an ISO-certified system integrator, provides comprehensive solutions for perim..