Union Cabinet approves new railway lines at a cost of ₹ 9,889 crore in Andhra Pradesh

Map showing the new railway lines approved by the Union Cabinet.

The Union Cabinet on Saturday approved the laying of the third and fourth railway lines between Rajahmundry (Nidadavolu) and Visakhapatnam (Duvvada) at an estimated cost of ₹ 9,889 crore to ease congestion on one of the busiest rail corridors in the country.

The 198 km route, which is part of the quadruple Howrah-Chennai High Density Network (HDN) route initiative, will have a total length of 458 km.

Also Read: After 25 years, Konaseema Railway Line project is yet to hit the track

The corridor currently operates at nearly 130% capacity, leading to frequent delays, and is expected to face further pressure due to expanding ports and industrial activity along the east coast.

Passing through East Godavari, Konaseema, Kakinada, Anakapalle and Visakhapatnam districts, the new route will include a 4.3 km railway bridge over the Godavari, a 2.67 km viaduct and three bypasses. The new route will also be about 8 km shorter than the existing route, improving operational efficiency.

The project will enhance connectivity to major ports such as Visakhapatnam, Gangavaram, Machilipatnam and Kakinada while enhancing access to tourist destinations such as Annavaram, Antarvedi and Draksharamam.

Officials estimate an additional freight traffic of 29.04 million tonnes per annum, consisting of coal, cement, chemical manufacturers, iron and steel, food grains, containers, bauxite, gypsum, limestone and others, and annual logistics savings of ₹ 1,150 crore over road transport.

The project is expected to generate 135,000,000 job days and significantly reduce carbon emissions, thereby promoting sustainable and economic growth in the region.

Published – 18 Apr 2026 19:23 IST