Karnataka Boosts Rail Connectivity with ₹3,342 Crore Ballari–Chikjajur Doubling Project

 

PM Narendra Modi (PC- Narendra Modi FB)

New Delhi, June 11, 2025: the Cabinet approved two Indian Railways multitracking projects worth ₹6,405 crore, expanding the rail network by 318 km across seven districts in Karnataka, Jharkhand, and Andhra Pradesh. The Ballari–Chikjajur Doubling (185 km) in Karnataka and Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, and the Koderma–Barkakana Doubling (133 km) in Jharkhand will enhance connectivity, streamline freight transport, and boost regional economies.

These projects will connect ~1,408 villages, create 108 lakh human-days of employment, and reduce logistics costs. By cutting oil imports by 52 crore litres and CO2 emissions by 264 crore kg annually (equivalent to planting 11 crore trees), they align with PM-Gati Shakti’s vision for sustainable, efficient rail operations.

Focus on Karnataka through the Ballari–Chikjajur Doubling project

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved two transformative railway multitracking projects worth ₹6,405 crore, with a significant focus on Karnataka through the Ballari–Chikjajur Doubling project. This 185-km initiative, traversing Ballari and Chitradurga districts in Karnataka and Anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh, is set to enhance connectivity, boost economic growth, and promote sustainable transport in the region.

The Ballari–Chikjajur Doubling project, costing ₹3,342 crore, will strengthen rail infrastructure by doubling the track capacity, improving connectivity to Mangaluru Port and facilitating the transport of key commodities like iron ore, steel, cement, and agricultural products. This upgrade is expected to handle 19 million tonnes of freight annually, reducing logistics costs and enhancing operational efficiency for Indian Railways.

key highlights

Below are the key highlights of the Ballari–Chikjajur Doubling project in Karnataka, extracted from the rewritten news article and the original information, presented in a concise, reader-friendly format suitable for quick reference or sharing:

• Project Overview: The Ballari–Chikjajur Doubling project, approved on June 11, 2025, by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, spans 185 km across Ballari and Chitradurga districts in Karnataka and Anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh, with a cost of ₹3,342 crore.
• Enhanced Connectivity: Improves rail links to Mangaluru Port, serving ~700 villages and 13 lakh people, boosting transport of iron ore, steel, cement, and agricultural goods.
• Economic Impact: Expected to generate 54 lakh human-days of employment during its 3-year construction (target completion: 2028), supporting local economies and the “Atmanirbhar” vision.
• Sustainability Benefits: Reduces oil imports by 52 crore litres and CO2 emissions by 101 crore kg annually, equivalent to planting 4 crore trees.
• Operational Efficiency: Doubles track capacity, handling 19 million tonnes of freight yearly, reducing logistics costs and easing rail congestion.
• PM-Gati Shakti Alignment: Part of the National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity, enhancing seamless movement of people, goods, and services.

PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity

Serving approximately 700 villages with a population of 13 lakh across Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, the project aligns with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity. It will generate around 54 lakh human-days of direct employment during its three-year construction period, fostering economic opportunities and supporting the vision of an “Atmanirbhar” India.

Environmentally, the project promotes sustainability by reducing oil imports by 52 crore litres and cutting CO2 emissions by 101 crore kg annually, equivalent to planting 4 crore trees. This makes it a vital step toward achieving India’s climate goals while ensuring energy-efficient transport.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized that the project will streamline operations, reduce congestion, and improve service reliability, directly benefiting Karnataka’s industrial and agricultural hubs. With completion targeted for 2028, the Ballari–Chikjajur line will position Karnataka as a key player in India’s railway modernization, driving both regional development and national connectivity.

Key Words : Indian Railways multitracking, Karnataka rail project, Ballari–Chikjajur Doubling, Koderma–Barkakana Doubling, sustainable rail operations, PM-Gati Shakti, rail connectivity Karnataka, reduce CO2 emissions, logistics cost reduction, railway employment opportunities