After the hike in Diesel prices in the union budget the NWKRTC has hiked bus fares for both city buses and long distance routes.

City bus fares were hiked in January 2010 and in 2 months there is another hike of Rs.1 per stage.

Yesterday fares have been hiked by Re.1 for every stage and on long distance route it varies from Rs.3 to Rs.30.

City bus fares:

Previous New price

From CBT to Tilakwadi 7 8

From CBT to Vadagaon 7 8

From CBT to Guruprasad Colony 8 9

From CBT to Bogarves 5 6

Inter city bus fares:

Belgaum – Kolhapur – previous 69 now 72

Belgaum – Dharwad – Previous 49 now 52

Belgaum – hubli – Prenious 63 now 69

In todays rail budget presented by Mamata Banerjee, the long awaited demand for the Belgaum – Dharwad rail line has been approved by the rail minister and work should hopefully begin on the same in this fiscal. The said new line will be in cost sharing with state government and Public Private partnership. No specif time period has been mentioned for the beginning and completion of the work in the budget. So its only a hypothetical plan still.

Belgaum also got some surprises in the form of survey of new rail lines. They are

Belgaum-Bagalkot-Raichur & Belgaum – Sawantawadi ( the budget speech mentions this as Samantwadi must be a typo error)

These routes will be surveyed and the feasibility report will be submitted.

Bagalkot-Kudachi new rail line has been included in this budget which means work will commence on this route during this fiscal.

Adarsh Stations: Bagalkot, Gokak Road.

New trains:

Hyderabd – Chhatrapati Sahu Maharaj Terminus (Bi-weekly) and
Tirupati- Chhatrapati Sahu Maharaj Terminus(daily)

(This train was earlier linked together as Haripriya Express and Raylseema express.)

Pune-Ratnagiri-Goa-Bangalore-Mysore-Tirupati-Pune

Indian Railways provide the facility of issuing e-tickets, through IRCTC,

by utilising internet services. At present, a maximum service charge of Rs 15

for Sleeper Class and Rs.40 for AC Class tickets is levied. I propose to reduce

the maximum limit of service charge to Rs.10 for Sleeper Class and Rs.20 for

AC Class.

It has been over a year now that the Sambra(IXG) Belgaum airport is being lying un-utilized for commercial flights. The airport has been or its terminal has been upgraded recently and run way will be expanded in some time. Lets see at its glorifying history.

Time line:

1942- The Royal Air Force (RAF) established its base at Sambra

1947- Indian Airlines commenced its operations from here

1989- Private airline operators given permission

1989-93- Vayudoot Private carrier flew from here

1993-95- East West Airways Also took off from here

1994-96- NEPC Commenced its operations

1997-98- Span Airways

1998-99- Gujrat Airways

2003-09- Air Deccan (Kingfisher Red)

Night landing facility available with Popy lights and Dopler war.

Runway is 1432 metres in length and 43 meter wide

The Sambra airport dates back to 1942, when it was under the Patwardhan Sarkar of Sangli. The Patwardhan Sarkar gave permission for establishing the air base at Sambra to the Royal Air Force (RAF) in late 1942.

In 1947 Belgaum was sole city with an airport. In 1986 the airports was privatized and then later given over to the Airports authority of India. Indian Airlines had regular service from here but in late 1980’s it got dis continued and in 1989 private players like Vayudoot started operations with the Belgaum – Mumbai and Belgaum- Bangalore services.

1993-95 East west airlines flew from here and in 1994 NEPC also started operations. In 1997-98 Span Airways had its operations from here. IN 1998 Gujrat airways commenced its operations on Bangalore Belgaum Pune route but due to lack of traffic and technical reasons its stopped its operations. In 1999 air services from Sambra stopped completely.

After 1999 till 2003 the airport was being utlised by politicians and the Air force for training with no commercial flights.

In 2003 Air Deccan the low cost airline started its operations and Belgaum was back on the radar. Service was commenced on 29 September 2003 with the Mumbai – Bangalore service via Belgaum. Later due to lack of traffic only Belgaum – Bangalore service was in operation.

This airport also acted as a base during the Goa liberation movement in 1961.

Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has introduced its ‘Shivneri’ Volvo AC bus service between Pune and Bengaluru from Thursday.

The bus will depart from MSRTC’s Swargate depot at 5.30 pm daily and will reach Bengaluru next day at 8.45 am.

Worst part you cannot book tickets on-line and the website mentions that one can alight at Belgaum but cannot board. This must be specific to on line booking only. Also I was unable to get the timings the bus would come arrive at Belgaum. One more fault I could not book a return ticket from Bangalore to Pune or Belgaum. Anyways people wishing can book it online here .

http://public.msrtcors.com/ticket_booking/index.php

The same bus will leave Bengaluru for Pune at 6.15 pm and reach here next morning at around 9.30 am.

The one-way journey from Pune to Bengaluru, which would cover Kolhapur-Kagal-Belgaum-Dharwad-Hubli-Haveri-Harihar-Davangiri-Chitradurg-Tumkur stations, would cost Rs 900 per passenger.

Blankets, mineral water and newspaper will be provided free of cost to the passengers to make their journey more comfortable.

Its just over 15 days in February and the heat is on in Belgaum.

The maximum temperatures have seen a sudden rise of 5 Deg.

See the graphs for details.

Max temperature is now 35 and minimum is above 20.
At this time of the year this is above normal by 4 degrees.

This is just the beginning and we have the summer to still set in.

The sales of Fans in the past few days have increased many folds. With HESCOM continuing its hide and seek game of power supply people will be put face the heat to a greater extent.

by Satish Kumar Sr. Engineer MINDSCAPE (IMG) (Dubai)

A bigger miscalculation and miss out from our public representatives need to be show casted.

In 1982 the former CM (Late) Shri Ram Krishan Hegde (from Sirsi) envisaged the growth for Northern Karnataka, drew attention of Rail road projects, Well K-Ride did not exist though, but there something terribly something gone wrong with infrastructure policy in North Karnataka particularly Belgaum.

Shri. Hegde had evinced and proposed the survey and execution of Belgaum Bagalkote Raichur line and Belguam- Dharwad line in his tenure, there was no state central partnership then so these proposals kept eating dust.

In the recent years we have been hearing Bagalkote- Kudchi line, I am shocked to see the viability of this project, reason being it was actually Belgaum Bagalkote proposed line, Major Cement distribution companies are based in Belgaum for covering North Karnataka region, the belt has spread across from Belgaum Yadwad, Lokapur, Bagalkote and the second belt is of Sedam, Shahbad Gulbarga region so since when the Belgaum Bagalkote Raichur line, took a shift to Kudchi Bagalkote Line God only knows, I pity the foresight of these elected representatives for such non viable projected mess up

I had earlier worked chalked a project for Belgaum Bagalkote line through Sambra as junction plus integrated freight corridor ( the station actually falls off Muchhandi /Ashte village on Belgaum- Gokak road ) and further towards Nesargi , Yargatti Lokapur and Bagalkote, further from there to Bagalkote Hungund till Raichur.

I have observed many times the freight loading earlier done at Belgaum is now carried from Desur mainly Cement and Fertilizer form Zuari Agro/Vasvdatta companies, the latest addition to this will be Dalmia Cement plant commissioning near Belgaum .

Why our district representative don’t look forward for such viable and profitable projects, which would give a credible development to be around Belgaum.

Some of major advantages of Belgaum Baglakot Raichur line

1) Connecting of Border districts of Belgaum to main land of North West Karnataka.

2) New access to Raichur, Gulbarga and Hyderabad regions can be another corridor for development, by road Belgaum already serves as gateway to Goa now.

3) Tourism coverage of Sogal, Naveel teerth, Badami, Trogal forts and many more falling under this region.

4) East port linkage for coal supply form Goa port to RTPS (Raichur Thermal Power station).

5) Inland intra port connectivity of Visakhapatnam to Goa ( Naval facilitation for new base at Belgaum)

The second story of Belgaum Dharwad line via Kittur

It was surveyed and open for commissioning since last three government in the state, the key reason being if these line get implemented there will be major shift in all north bound trains from Bangalore terminating at Belgaum, to which the politicians of Hubli are opposed the fact to support this is, twin city Dharwad has to fight for rail extension of many trains terminating at Hubli. What is the use of having SWR head quarter at Hubli though serves no purpose of development of Northern Karnataka.

KRIDE ( a joint venture of State/Central Govt (projects are done cost sharing basis) Karnataka Rail Infrastructure development Establishment) evinced interest in this proposal but MR Bommai Jr. again twisted the seen on Belgaum Dharwad line via Bailhongal , a delay of another decade may be now.

The blind MP and MLAS are driving we Belgaumites vision less and just hardly have vision for City.

Bidar being last bordering district of state getting connected to main land Karnataka through Gulbarga Bidar rail line, Why not Belgaum get similar treatment.

Small cities with quarter population as that of Belgaum have trains connecting to state capital, why are we deprived of same. The new project of Belgaum station renovation will only upgrade building and some recreation facilities, what about coach filling, powering and cleaning facilities? What about shunting lines for Rake facility?

The value of Belgaum being Divisional head Quarter is too low and having N Karnataka Regional commissioner office being based here is still having dearth of these entire basic rail infrastructure requirement. (Something like Chiraag tale Andhera)

The above facts are on the basis of news and articles and my own investigations and findings. This is to make aware and spread the right vision of Belgaumites to look forward for better future , and put across views to right authorities for better future planning of Belgaum.

This site has seen some decent (indecent comments removed) discussions on various subjects of importance to all from Belgaum, Belgavi to cutting of trees.

The most significant problem Belgaumites are facing for all these years and to which no authority is looking to correct it is the Auto fares in Belgaum.

For the past three days Autos are off the road and they are holding the regular commuters to ransom for no wrong done by them. The autos are off the roads on the demand that the police should find the culprits behind the murder of their fellow driver Noor who was killed latter part of the week. Even on Friday the whole city there was tension on this issue, where as the police say that the murder was due to family matters and some people tried to give it a communal touch.

My question to all, why is that in Belgaum over so many years and so many great IAS and IPS officers in town no one could start the Autos by Fare meter prescribed by the government. Is it that Belgaum does not adhere to any laws of the land? Only the people sitting as MP’s MLAs can answer this, as no one has tried to solve this most common and most important issue, which if solved can help all Belgaumites.

How many know the exact minimum auto fare? Take a guess! No one !!

the minimum auto fare for Belgaum city is Rs.12 for 2 kms and then Rs.6 per kilo meter.

I need one person who has traveled by paying Rs.12 the minimum fare. The minimum fare charged is Rs.15 straight forward.

Refusal to come near by, excess fare and rude behavior for which auto drivers can be punished under law is the daily practice by them,as there is “NO MAIKALAL” who will ask them.
Earlier attempts were made to impose auto by fare meters but the Auto drivers resented to it and the same could not be achieved.

The auto fare in Bangalore is Rs. 14 per 2 kms and then Rs.7 per km. In Mumbai the minium is Rs.9 per 1.5 km.

If by mistake any of the authorities responsible for this is reading this please try and travel by autos and see how horrible it is.

Most meters on the autos never work (except on the day at the RTO for passing) many don’t have one as well. The police never try and stop and ask for a license of an auto driver, especially those running auto at night, who are young kids with no license.

The pre-paid auto at the railway station is also not working in a good manner due to the wrong intentions of the auto drivers.

My question to the auto drivers-

If there is a law why is not applicable to you in Belgaum?

Are these auto drivers not bound by law?

Some important points one should know:

1. For every Kilometer -Rs. 6-00 (for 3 passengers)

2. The Minimum Fare -Rs. 12-00 (for 3 passengers)
(for the first 2.00 Kms.)

3. Waiting charges for first Five Minutes- FREE

4. After Five Minutes For every Fiteen Minutes or part thereof – Rs. 1-00

5. Luggage charges for First 20Kgs.- FREE

6. After 20 Kgs. For every; 20 Kgs. Or part thereof – Rs. 2-00

7. Maximum passenger Luggage to be carried is – 50Kgs.

Fare at Night- One and half times of prescribed fare to be charged from 10.00 pm to 5.00 am.

And is there any “MAIKALAL” who will take this mater to conclusion.

God bless Belgaum.

Source: RTO Bangalore, RTO Mumbai

The ministry of environment and forests gave its consent to declare Bhimgadh (in Khanapur Taluk) in Belgaum district as a wildlife sanctuary. The Centre had given its consent for declaring 138 sqkm of forest as a wildlife sanctuary and the government issued the order three days ago.

Bhmgadh was in news over the political issue between Goa and Karnataka over water sharing Mahadayi water. Wildlife lovers were keen on saving this habitat.

Bhimgadh shelters two rare bat species — Wroughton free-tailed bats and Tomb bats. In India, Barapidi in Bhimgadh has the only colony of Wroughton free-tailed bats. Their only other habitat in the world is Brazil. Tomb bats are found in West Bengal. Barapidi caves were part of the sanctuary. Wildlife enthusiast say the forest was also a triangular corridor for tigers and elephants, which migrate between Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra.

Source: TOI

Mr.Mohan Pai has written explicitly on this topic with various photos of the areas and one shold read this to understand the necessity for making Bhimgarh into a wildlife sanctuary. Click the flowwing links to read in detail about the bio diversity.

Mahadyi/Mandovi River Valley – Part I
Mahadayi/Mandovi River Valley – Part II
Mahadayi/Mandovi River Valley – Part III
Mahadayi/Mandovi River Valley – Part IV
Mahadayi/Mandovi River Valley – Part V
Mahadayi/ Mandovi River Valley – Part VI

MP Suresh Angadi has written letters to to the Union railway minister Mamata Banerjee and Union minister of state for railways K H Muniyappa urging them to include some proposals under the annual railway budget 2010-11.

Proposals made:
1. new railway track along Belgaum-Bailhongal (Kittur)-Dharwad- survey work has already been completed.
2. up gradation of an existing Gokak Road station
3. survey work for the creation of new track linking Belgaum-Savantwadi
4. introduction of new evening daily Garib Rath Express on Hubli-Dadar (Mumbai) route
5. diversion of present Bangalore-Hajrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express via Belgaum
6. construction of under bridge at Paschapur station along Belgaum-Miraj route
7. shifting of an existing goods shed in Belgaum to Sambra to facilitate expansion of Belgaum Railway Station.

Demands for Belgaum-Bailhongal (Kittur)-Dharwad is not new and the survey work is already over but nothing concrete has been said by the rail authorities on this.
There has been a long standing demand of the people of Hubli and Belgaum to start a train from Hubli to Mumbai.
What happens this year to this demands need to be seen. AAB will follow up the Railway budget and get you information right away when the same is presented in the last week of February, most probable date would be 23.

Belgaum’s most famous holy, picnic and childrens play park Military Mahadev is being renovated.

And AAB gets you the FIRST look of the Mahadev Temple after its temple domb from the outside has been newly made and renovated with a lot of carving very similar to that of temples in south India. The same will also be painted later.

The new Look sort of Dravidian Architecture

Old simple Look now has been changed.

Some more changes are also planned to done to the present garden areas and the same will beautified.

All Photos: Team AAB.

By Sujay Nimbalkar – Special Correspondent

Rajhunsgad is surrounded by greenery of farms and fields with rice as a major crop. Yellurgad (Yellur Fort) located within the vicinity of Belgaum Taluka, on hillock with a breathtaking view.It is situated nearly 2,500 ft (762 m) above sea level. According to sources, this Fort dates back to history many centuries ago among different kingdom and its rulers including the Yadavas, Hoysalas, Bahamani, Adilshahi, Peshwas-Marathas.

The fort on top of hill is visible from almost all areas of Belgaum. It is also believed that there existed a secret tunnel from the Belgaum fort upto Rajhunsgad during the ancient period. In this fort, a beautiful Temple of ‘Lord Shiva’ is situated where most of the people staying in and around the villages of this fort visit and pray every Monday. There is Well of sweet water on top of this hill. It is infact an admirable archeology of the past architects and rulers. An awesome view of Belgaum City can be had from this fort.

How to reach:

One can reach Rajhunsgad village on the foot of this hill via- Desur village or from Yellur & Sulga and then climb the fort on kutcha road. Experienced riders can reach upto the entrance of the fort on top on Motorcycles but this path (kutcha road) is too steep for motorcycles. However, this is an excellent place for Trekking.

On an interaction with Sri.Siddharth Hiremath (Poojari) of this Shiva temple in the fort told us that, This Fort in spite of having a rich historic relevance is always neglected by administration. The temple’s maintenance cost is mainly borne by the people of surrounding villages of Rajhunsgad, Sulga, and Yellur etc.

Though  MPs, MLAs and a couple of Ministers along with the administration authorities have visited this ancient fort and have assured for its development as a tourist place, the assurance tends to remain on paper as usual. Moreover, miscreants try to damage the sanctity of the fort including the temple’s premises by dirtying the surroundings etc. People of Belgaum should take note of this fact and come forward to help in preserving the structure of our Belgaum having rich historic relevance.

Photos: Mr.Sujay, Mr. Ravi Vakkund & Mr. Ashok Sankannavar