CCEA approves 3rd and 4th line of Ballari–Guntakal section
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on 24 July 2026 approved the 3rd and 4th railway lines of the Ballari–Guntakal section in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh at a cost of about ₹1,264 crore, adding about 46 km to the Indian Railways network.
Summary
Planned under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the project covers three districts across the two States and is to be completed by 2028-29. It will improve connectivity to about 99 villages with a population of around seven lakh and serve tourist sites such as Ballari Fort. The route carries iron ore, dolomite, limestone, steel, coal, fertilisers and foodgrains; the added capacity is expected to bring 16.22 million tonnes per annum of additional freight.
Key facts
- Section
- Ballari – Guntakal (3rd and 4th line)
- States
- Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh (3 districts)
- Cost
- About ₹1,264 crore
- Network addition
- About 46 km
- Completion
- By 2028-29
- Extra freight
- 16.22 MTPA
- Planning
- PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan
Practice MCQs 2 questions
The CCEA in July 2026 approved the 3rd and 4th line of which railway section spanning Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Ballari–Guntakal
The approved project is the 3rd and 4th line of the Ballari–Guntakal section, costing about ₹1,264 crore.
By about how many km will the Ballari–Guntakal multitracking project increase the Indian Railways network?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 46 km
The project will add about 46 km; it will improve connectivity to about 99 villages.