CCEA Approves ₹1,332 Crore Rail Upgrade and ₹1,878 Crore Highway Project

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved two major infrastructure projects: a ₹1,332 crore railway line doubling and a ₹1,878 crore highway bypass.

The first project involves doubling the 104-km Tirupati–Pakala–Katpadi railway line, spanning Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. This upgrade will enhance connectivity to key pilgrimage and tourist destinations, including the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Sri Kalahasti Shiva Temple, Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple, and Chandragiri Fort. Indian Railways reports the project will benefit approximately 14 lakh people across three districts and improve rail access to over 400 villages. It is expected to support an additional 4 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of freight—such as coal, cement, agricultural goods, and minerals—boosting the region’s economic activity. The project will also add 113 km to the Indian Railways network.

The second initiative is a 19.2-km, six-lane Zirakpur Bypass to be built under the hybrid annuity model. Connecting NH-7 (Zirakpur–Patiala) with NH-5 (Zirakpur–Parwanoo), the bypass will ease traffic congestion in Zirakpur, Panchkula, and surrounding areas. It will facilitate smoother traffic flow from Patiala, Delhi, and Mohali Aerocity, while offering improved connectivity to Himachal Pradesh.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.