Karnataka gets major rail boost: Whitefield-Bangarapet route to get four tracks by 2029-30

The Centre has cleared the third and fourth lines on the 47-km Whitefield-Bangarapet section as part of a ₹10,021-crore rail expansion package covering 17 districts across four southern states. Karnataka is set to get a major boost to its railway infrastructure, with the Centre approving the quadrupling of the 47-km Whitefield-Bangarapet railway section. The decision was taken by the Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday. The project has been cleared under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and will add the third and fourth railway lines to the existing Whitefield-Bangarapet section. Once the work is completed, the entire 47-km stretch is expected to have four parallel railway lines. The expansion is targeted for completion by 2029-30. Also Read: Karnataka Governor puts KAOMA 2026 Bill on hold, seeks clarification on key provisions The Whitefield-Bangarapet corridor is an important railway route serving the Bengaluru region and eastern Karnataka. The addition of two more lines is expected to increase the capacity of the route and allow more trains to operate on the section. The Karnataka project is part of a larger railway expansion package approved by the Centre for southern India. The package includes three railway doubling projects and another quadrupling project, with the combined investment estimated at ₹10,021 crore. The approved projects will cover 17 districts spread across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Together, the projects are expected to add around 540 km to the existing railway network in these states. Another major project cleared under the package is the 147-km Hosur-Omalur railway doubling project. The additional line on this route is expected to improve the management and movement of railway traffic from the southern side of Bengaluru towards Tamil Nadu and further towards parts of Kerala. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the expansion will also improve rail connectivity for around 2,121 villages. These villages together have a population of approximately 52 lakh people. Also Read: Bengaluru outskirts see rise in accidents: Traffic police launch special traffic drive The railway expansion is also expected to benefit tourism. The improved network will strengthen connectivity to several well-known destinations across the southern states, including Tirupati, Kolar Gold Fields (KGF), Hogenakkal Falls, Hosur Fort, Mettur Dam, the Kodaikanal Hills and Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary. The additional railway capacity is expected to have an impact beyond passenger movement as well. Once the projects are completed, the expanded network could support the movement of a wide range of commodities. These include coal, cement, iron and steel, containers, automobiles, food grains, petroleum products and fertilisers. According to the Railway Minister, the capacity enhancement from these projects will help accommodate additional freight traffic of around 47 million tonnes every year. The Centre's approval therefore covers both passenger and freight infrastructure, with the projects aimed at increasing railway capacity, improving connectivity across southern states and supporting the movement of goods. For Karnataka, the key development is the approval to add the third and fourth lines between Whitefield and Bangarapet. With the 47-km section planned to become a four-track corridor by 2029-30, the project is expected to provide additional railway capacity on an important route connected to Bengaluru and neighbouring regions.