Belagavi Lok Sabha MP Jagadish Shettar met Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at MP Bhawan in New Delhi and placed several key railway demands concerning the Belagavi constituency.
During the meeting, Shettar urged the Minister to declare the Bengaluru–Belagavi–Mumbai route as the eighth High-Speed Rail Corridor under the Union Budget 2026–27 proposal. He said this corridor would significantly boost development in small and medium cities along the route.
The MP also sought approval for a new railway line connecting Bagalkot, Parakanatti, Gokak and Yadavada in Belagavi district. He pointed out that several cement and sugar industries operate along the proposed stretch, and the new line would benefit both industry and public transport.
Shettar further requested a revision in the departure time of the Belagavi–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express. Currently departing at 5:35 AM, he suggested shifting it to 6:15 AM for passenger convenience.
The Union Minister reportedly assured him that the demands would be examined and necessary action taken.
Shettar also met Railway Board Chairman and CEO Satish Kumar at Rail Bhawan and sought a preliminary survey for a new railway line connecting Lokapura–Ramadurga–Savadatti–Dharwad. He additionally requested the resumption of the previously cancelled Belagavi–Managur train service.
According to Shettar, Railway Board officials have assured that the proposals will be considered at the earliest.