Indian Railways approves ₹993-crore Arakkonam-Chengalpattu track doubling project

Key points

• Indian Railways, on Tuesday (May 19, 2026), has approved the Arakkonam-Chengalpattu doubling project along a stretch of 68 kms at a cost of ₹993 crore.
• The project will link some of the important places including Wallajabad, Kancheepuram and Thakkolam.
• In a press statement, Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw mentioned that the Arakkonam - Chengalpattu Doubling Project will play a significant role in easing congestion on the busy Chennai suburban rail network while improving punctuality and operational efficiency.
• Vaishnaw said the project will strengthen both passenger and freight movements across the corridor, benefiting transportation of key commodities including cement, automobiles, food grains, iron and steel.
• The sanctioning comes in the wake of the Southern Railway conducting the survey work for acquiring land last year.