09 April 2025 cabinet approval for the doubling of the Tirupati-Pakala-Katpadi railway line section, spanning 104 km across Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, marks a significant infrastructural development. With a sanctioned budget of Rs. 1332 crore, this project underscores the government’s commitment to bolstering railway infrastructure and enhancing connectivity in the region.
The existing single-line section has long been a bottleneck, hindering the smooth flow of passenger and freight traffic. Doubling this crucial segment will alleviate congestion, improve operational efficiency, and reduce travel time. Furthermore, the project is poised to stimulate economic growth by facilitating smoother movement of goods and promoting regional commerce.
Beyond the immediate benefits, the railway line doubling is expected to generate employment opportunities during the construction phase and subsequently contribute to improved socio-economic conditions in the surrounding areas. In conclusion, the cabinet’s decision represents a strategic investment in railway infrastructure, promising enhanced connectivity, economic prosperity, and overall regional development for Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
The project aims to enhance connectivity to Tirupati, which is home to the iconic Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. The temple is visited by around 75,000 pilgrims daily and on auspicious occasions, up to 1.5 lakh devotees visit daily.
The project will also generate direct employment for about 35 lakh man-days during construction.