Arakkonam–Chengalpattu Double-Line Project Approved to Strengthen Suburban Rail Network

The Ministry of Railways has approved a new 68-km double railway line project between Arakkonam and Chengalpattu under the Southern Railway zone. The project aims to improve the Chennai suburban rail network by reducing congestion and increasing train frequency.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the project will help improve punctuality, operational efficiency, and support both passenger and freight transportation. Key goods like cement, automobiles, food grains, iron, and steel will benefit from better connectivity.

The railway line is part of the Chennai suburban circular rail network connecting Chennai Beach, Tambaram, Chengalpattu, and Arakkonam.

Railway officials stated that the current single-line route is heavily used and traffic is expected to grow further in the future. The new double-line project will reduce train delays and improve suburban services.

The route connects important industrial and economic areas such as Mahindra World City, Sriperumbudur, Oragadam, and Irungattukottai. The upcoming Parandur Airport near Kancheepuram is also expected to increase the importance of this railway corridor.

The project alignment will include 12 stations, including Chengalpattu and Arakkonam junctions. However, the Railways has not yet announced a completion date for the project.

Source: indianexpress.com