NationalThursday, 20 August 2026·Hindu Tamil Thisai
Centre approves ₹2,229 crore third and fourth railway lines between Gummidipoondi and Gudur
The Union Cabinet approved a ₹2,229 crore project for third and fourth railway lines on the Gummidipoondi–Gudur route.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In August 2026, the Union Cabinet approved a ₹2,229 crore project to lay third and fourth railway lines over 90 km between Gummidipoondi and Gudur on the Chennai–Kolkata main line.
Key specifics
- Project cost: ₹2,229 crore for the Gummidipoondi–Gudur section.
- Length: 90 km of new third and fourth railway lines.
- Four multi-tracking projects across West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh cover 410 km in total.
- Total outlay of the four projects: ₹9,450 crore, with completion target by 2030–31.
- Expected benefits: 6,448 villages, about 60 lakh people and 76 million tonnes of additional freight handling annually.
Exam lens
TNPSC can ask railway infrastructure, Cabinet approval and logistics questions; note the ₹2,229 crore cost, 90 km length, 410 km total and the 2030–31 completion target.