The much-awaited Belagavi–Dharwad new railway line via Kittur continues to remain stalled, with land acquisition yet to begin even six years after the project was sanctioned, according to information tabled in the Rajya Sabha by the railway minister as a reply to MP Rajya Sabha Iranna Kadadi.
The 73-km new line project, sanctioned on a 50:50 cost-sharing basis between the Centre and the Karnataka government, is currently held up due to delays by the State government in acquiring land. As per the reply by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, no land has been acquired so far, even though 581 hectares are required for the project.
The Centre has clarified that the land must be provided free of cost by the Government of Karnataka, and the Railways are ready to proceed once this condition is fulfilled. The delay has directly impacted construction activities, including bridges, tunnels, and other major civil works along the Kittur alignment.
While no specific completion timeline has been announced, the Railway Ministry has stated that the project is critical for reducing travel time between Belagavi and Dharwad and improving regional rail connectivity. However, progress will remain frozen until land acquisition, forest clearances, and utility shifting are completed by the State.
The Belagavi–Dharwad line is among the major railway projects in Karnataka facing delays solely due to land acquisition, raising concerns over prolonged uncertainty despite repeated assurances at the policy level.