The project will add 46 km of railway lines across three districts in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, enhancing both passenger and freight movement while improving network capacity.
Somanna, who represents Tumakuru in the Lok Sabha, said the project would improve connectivity for 99 villages, benefiting nearly seven lakh people.
The additional rail lines are expected to strengthen the movement of key commodities, including iron ore, limestone, steel, coal, fertilisers, sugarcane and foodgrains, improving logistics efficiency and supporting industrial activity in the region.
The minister said the project would also generate employment during construction and contribute to regional economic growth through better freight connectivity.
Describing the Cabinet approval as another milestone under the PM Gati Shakti initiative, Somanna said the investment would support the Centre’s vision of Viksit Bharat by building world-class infrastructure and promoting inclusive development.