Government Sanctions Major Rail Projects in UP and Andhra with ₹24,815 Crore Investment

Key Takeaways

Investment: ₹24,815 crore for two projects.

Coverage: 15 districts in UP and Andhra.

Network Expansion: 601 kilometers added to Indian Railways.

Tourism Boost: Improved access to key destinations.

Commodity Transport: Enhanced routes for essential commodities.

New Delhi, April 18 (NationPress) On Saturday, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sanctioned two major multitracking railway initiatives for Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh, with a combined financial commitment of Rs 24,815 crore.

These projects span 15 districts across the two states, extending the current Indian Railways network by approximately 601 kilometers. The initiatives include the Ghaziabad–Sitapur 3rd and 4th Line (403 km) and the Rajahmundry (Nidadavolu)–Visakhapatnam (Duvvada) 3rd and 4th Line (198 km).

The enhancements in capacity are set to significantly boost rail connectivity to several key tourist attractions nationwide, such as Dudheshwarnath Temple, Garhmukteshwar Ganga Ghat, Dargah Shah Wilayat Jama Masjid (Amroha), Naimisharanya (Sitapur), Annavaram, Antarvedi, and Draksharamam.

These routes are vital for the transport of essential commodities, including coal, foodgrains, cement, petroleum products, iron and steel, containers, fertilizers, sugar, chemical salts, and limestone.

The Ghaziabad–Sitapur line is an existing double-line segment that plays a crucial role in the Delhi-Guwahati High Density Network (HDN 4). The project, costing Rs 14,926 crore, is pivotal for enhancing connectivity between the northern and eastern regions of India.

This line traverses major industrial hubs such as Ghaziabad (machinery, electronics, pharmaceuticals), Moradabad (brassware and handicrafts), Bareilly (furniture, textiles, engineering), Shahjahanpur (carpets and cement production), and Roza (thermal power generation).

To facilitate smooth transportation, the project alignment is designed to bypass congested stations like Hapur, Simbhaoli, Moradabad, Rampur, Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, and Sitapur, while also proposing six new stations on the bypass routes, as per an official announcement.

The Rajahmundry (Nidadavolu)–Visakhapatnam (Duvvada) segment is part of the Howrah–Chennai High Density Network (HDN). This project, with an outlay of Rs 9,889 crore, contributes to the quadrupling efforts on the Howrah–Chennai corridor.

It traverses through districts including East Godavari, Konaseema, Kakinada, Anakapalle, and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, lying along the eastern coastline and being one of the busiest freight-focused sections of the East Coast Rail Corridor.

This new section will also promote tourism by enhancing access to important sites like Annavaram, Antarvedi, and Draksharamam.

Point of View

The Indian government has approved two major railway projects aimed at enhancing connectivity and supporting economic growth in Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. This decision underscores the commitment to improving infrastructure and promoting tourism in key regions of the country.

NationPress

1 May 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total investment for the railway projects?

The total investment for the railway projects in Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh is ₹24,815 crore.

How many districts will the railway projects cover?

The railway projects will cover 15 districts across Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.

What are the main benefits of these railway projects?

The projects will enhance railway connectivity, support tourism, and facilitate the transportation of essential commodities.

Who approved the railway projects?

The projects were approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

What is the significance of the Ghaziabad–Sitapur line?

The Ghaziabad–Sitapur line is crucial for improving connectivity between northern and eastern India and is part of the Delhi-Guwahati High Density Network.