PrepMaticCurrent affairs · September 2026
Union Cabinet approves five rail multitracking projects covering Tamil Nadu
On 9 September 2026 the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved five Railways projects costing about ₹10,021 crore. They cover 17 districts across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana and add about 540 km to the Indian Railways network. The projects are planned for completion by 2029-30.
The five projects
| Project | Length |
|---|---|
| Arakkonam to Renigunta, 3rd and 4th lines | 77 km |
| Whitefield to Bangarapet, 3rd and 4th lines | 47 km |
| Hosur to Omalur, doubling | 147 km |
| Salem to Karur to Dindigul, doubling | 159 km |
| Secunderabad (Ghatkesar) to Kazipet, multitracking | 110 km |
The Hosur-Omalur and Salem-Karur-Dindigul doublings lie wholly in Tamil Nadu, and the Arakkonam-Renigunta line runs from Tamil Nadu into Andhra Pradesh. Together the projects will improve connectivity to about 2,121 villages with a population of about 52 lakh. Among the places named in Tamil Nadu are Hogenakkal Falls, Hosur Fort, Mettur Dam, Kodaikanal Hills, Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary, Namakkal Fort and the Namakkal Anjaneyar Temple.
The lines carry coal, cement, iron and steel, containers, automobiles, foodgrains, petroleum products and fertilisers, and the added capacity is expected to carry 47 million tonnes a year more freight. The release says the projects follow the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
Why it matters for TNPSC
Transport and infrastructure link to Unit II, Geography, and to Unit V, Indian Economy and Development Administration. Know the vocabulary: doubling adds a second track, while a third and fourth line is multitracking. See the geography guide for transport networks.
Practice questions
Question 1. What is the total estimated cost of the five projects approved on 9 September 2026?
- A. ₹5,021 crore
- B. ₹8,540 crore
- C. ₹10,021 crore
- D. ₹12,121 crore
Question 2. Which committee of the Union Cabinet approved these projects?
- A. Cabinet Committee on Security
- B. Appointments Committee of the Cabinet
- C. Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs
- D. Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs
Answers
- C. PIB gives ₹10,021 crore, approximately.
- D. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the projects.
Source
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