Third rail line boosts Kazipet–Balharshah corridor

Metro India News | MAHABUBABAD

South Central Railway (SCR) has completed the 203-km third railway line between Kazipet and Balharshah, marking a major milestone in strengthening one of India's busiest rail corridors connecting the country's northern and southern regions.

Built at a cost of around Rs 3,000 crore, the project was completed with the commissioning of the final 11-km stretch between Asifabad and Sirpur Kaghaznagar. The last phase included electrification works and the construction of a major bridge across the Bibra River. SCR said the line has successfully undergone technical inspections and is ready for operations.

The Kazipet–Balharshah section forms part of the Grand Trunk railway route, a crucial corridor for both passenger and freight movement. With the addition of the third railway line, train handling capacity will increase significantly, reducing congestion and enabling faster, more efficient movement of trains. The new track will also improve traffic management by allowing freight and passenger services to operate with fewer delays.

The upgraded corridor is expected to enhance the transportation of coal, cement, granite and other industrial commodities while supporting thermal power plants and industries dependent on bulk freight. Passenger services are also likely to become more punctual with improved operational flexibility.

SCR is simultaneously progressing with the third-line project between Kazipet and Vijayawada. Of the 219-km stretch, 194 km has already been completed at a cost of Rs 1,952 crore, while construction is continuing on the remaining 25 km between Dornakal and Mahabubabad.

Once the Vijayawada–Kazipet–Balharshah corridor is fully equipped with three railway lines, it will strengthen north-south connectivity, improve rail capacity, reduce delays and support the growing demand for passenger and freight transportation across the South Central Railway network.