Cabinet Approves Third and Fourth Railway Lines on Ballari-Guntakal Section
Cabinet Approves Third and Fourth Railway Lines on Ballari-Guntakal Section
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of third and fourth railway lines on the Ballari-Guntakal section, spanning Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, at a cost of Rs 1,264 crore.
Detailed Summary
The project will expand the existing railway network by 46 kilometres across three districts in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, benefiting more than seven lakh people. It aims to boost both passenger travel and freight transportation, improve connectivity to tourist attractions such as Ballari Fort and the Kumaraswamy Temple, and increase freight-carrying capacity by 16.22 million tonnes. The corridor is a vital route for transporting commodities including iron ore, coal, steel, and fertilizers.
Historical Background
The Ballari-Guntakal railway section has historically served as a key freight corridor for mineral-rich regions of Karnataka, particularly for iron ore movement to ports and steel plants.
Previous Related Events
The CCEA has in recent years approved multiple railway line-doubling and multi-tracking projects across India as part of the government's infrastructure push to decongest key freight corridors and boost the modal share of rail transport.
Why Important for TNPSC
Railway infrastructure expansion projects, approved by the Union Cabinet, are commonly tested under Infrastructure and Economy sections of TNPSC current affairs.
Economic Relevance
Enhanced freight capacity directly supports the movement of core-sector commodities (iron ore, coal, steel, fertilizers), reducing logistics costs and supporting industrial growth in the region.
Key Highlights
- Project: 3rd and 4th railway lines, Ballari-Guntakal section.
- Cost: Rs 1,264 crore.
- Network expansion: 46 km across Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
- Freight capacity boost: 16.22 million tonnes.
Important Facts
| Particular | Detail |
|---|---|
| Approving Body | Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) |
| Cost | Rs 1,264 crore |
| States Covered | Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh |
| Network Expansion | 46 km |
Important Years and Dates
Approval reported on July 24, 2026.
Ministries Involved
Ministry of Railways; Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (chaired by the Prime Minister).
Important Personalities
Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Chair, CCEA).
Organisations and Headquarters
Ministry of Railways - New Delhi; South Western Railway/South Central Railway zones (jurisdiction over the section).
Related Static GK
Ballari (Bellary) is known for its iron ore mines; Guntakal is a major railway junction in Andhra Pradesh.
Important Terms and Definitions
Multi-tracking: Adding additional parallel railway lines (third, fourth lines) on an existing route to increase capacity and reduce congestion.
Exam-Oriented Notes
Track CCEA-approved railway projects, their costs, and length as they are common one-line facts in TNPSC Infrastructure/Economy questions.
Memorization Points
Project: Ballari-Guntakal 3rd/4th line; Cost: Rs 1,264 crore; Length: 46 km; Freight boost: 16.22 MT.
3 TNPSC-Style MCQs
Q1. The Ballari-Guntakal railway line project connects which two states?
(a) Karnataka and Tamil Nadu (b) Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh (c) Andhra Pradesh and Telangana (d) Karnataka and Kerala
Answer: (b) Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh
Q2. What is the approved cost of the Ballari-Guntakal 3rd and 4th line project?
(a) Rs 764 crore (b) Rs 1,264 crore (c) Rs 2,500 crore (d) Rs 500 crore
Answer: (b) Rs 1,264 crore
Q3. Which committee approved the Ballari-Guntakal railway expansion?
(a) Cabinet Committee on Security (b) Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (c) NITI Aayog (d) Railway Board alone
Answer: (b) Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs
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