The Union Cabinet approved the Ballari-Guntakal Railway Multitracking project on July 24, 2026, involving the construction of third and fourth railway lines on this section connecting Ballari (Karnataka) to Guntakal (Andhra Pradesh). The project will significantly boost rail freight capacity for iron ore and steel — critical for the Ballari-Bellary steel belt — and improve passenger connectivity between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It is part of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity. The project cost and timeline are to be finalised, with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw overseeing implementation.
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Union Cabinet Approves Ballari-Guntakal Railway Multitracking — 3rd and 4th Lines for Karnataka-AP Connectivity and Steel Freight
Key Points
- The Union Cabinet approved the Ballari-Guntakal Railway Multitracking project on July 24, 2026, involving the construction of third and fourth railway lines on this section connecting Ballari (Karnataka) to Guntakal (Andhra Pradesh)
- The project will significantly boost rail freight capacity for iron ore and steel — critical for the Ballari-Bellary steel belt — and improve passenger connectivity between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh
- It is part of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity
- The project cost and timeline are to be finalised, with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw overseeing implementation
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• Union Cabinet approves Ballari-Guntakal Rail Multitracking: 3rd + 4th lines (July 24, 2026) • Karnataka (Ballari) – Andhra Pradesh (Guntakal): steel and iron ore freight; passenger connectivity • PM GatiShakti National Master Plan: multi-modal connectivity; logistics efficiency • Railway Minister: Ashwini Vaishnaw; Indian Railways: 4th largest global network (68,000+ km)
