Indian Railways Advances Major Projects Across Tamil Nadu

17 Mar 2026 CW Team

Recent completions include gauge conversions and doubling works that have expanded freight and passenger options. Major works completed include the Mayiladuturai–Thiruvarur–Karaikkudi conversion at Rs 13.38 billion (bn) and the Villupuram–Dindigul doubling at Rs 20.00 billion (bn). Several other conversions and new links into ports and terminals have also been finished to broaden operational capacity.

Ongoing schemes include the Tindivanam–Nagari new line at Rs 36.31 billion (bn), the Trivandrum–Kanyakumari doubling at Rs 37.85 billion (bn) and the Chennai–Cuddalore via Mahabalipuram new line at Rs 26.70 billion (bn). Progress on several projects is constrained by land acquisition, with total land required of 4,326 hectares, of which 1,052 hectares or 24 per cent have been acquired and 3,274 hectares or 76 per cent remain to be secured. The Ministry has said execution of delayed works depends on timely action by the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Between 1 April 2021 and 28 February 2026, 295 stoppages were provided and 52 new services introduced, including 16 Vande Bharat and 12 Amrit Bharat trains. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme 1,337 stations have been identified nationally and 77 are in Tamil Nadu, with 20 redeveloped so far. Electrification has proceeded in mission mode with about 99.4 per cent of the broad gauge network electrified nationally and 97 per cent in Tamil Nadu, and the Ministry has reaffirmed continued investment subject to state cooperation.

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Indian Railways has completed and advanced projects across Tamil Nadu to strengthen connectivity and passenger services. As on 1 April 2025, 15 projects comprising nine new lines, three gauge conversions and three doubling works totalling 1,700 km were sanctioned at a cost of Rs 228.08 billion (bn), of which 665 km had been commissioned and Rs 75.91 billion (bn) expended by March 2025. Budgetary support for infrastructure and safety in the State has risen from about Rs 8.79 billion (bn) per year during 2009 to 2014 to Rs 66.26 billion (bn) in 2025-26, representing more than seven and a half times increase. Recent completions include gauge conversions and doubling works that have expanded freight and passenger options. Major works completed include the Mayiladuturai–Thiruvarur–Karaikkudi conversion at Rs 13.38 billion (bn) and the Villupuram–Dindigul doubling at Rs 20.00 billion (bn). Several other conversions and new links into ports and terminals have also been finished to broaden operational capacity. Ongoing schemes include the Tindivanam–Nagari new line at Rs 36.31 billion (bn), the Trivandrum–Kanyakumari doubling at Rs 37.85 billion (bn) and the Chennai–Cuddalore via Mahabalipuram new line at Rs 26.70 billion (bn). Progress on several projects is constrained by land acquisition, with total land required of 4,326 hectares, of which 1,052 hectares or 24 per cent have been acquired and 3,274 hectares or 76 per cent remain to be secured. The Ministry has said execution of delayed works depends on timely action by the Government of Tamil Nadu. Between 1 April 2021 and 28 February 2026, 295 stoppages were provided and 52 new services introduced, including 16 Vande Bharat and 12 Amrit Bharat trains. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme 1,337 stations have been identified nationally and 77 are in Tamil Nadu, with 20 redeveloped so far. Electrification has proceeded in mission mode with about 99.4 per cent of the broad gauge network electrified nationally and 97 per cent in Tamil Nadu, and the Ministry has reaffirmed continued investment subject to state cooperation.

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