Belagavi Lok Sabha MP and former Karnataka Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar on Monday held a review meeting with South Western Railway General Manager K. Ananth and senior railway officials in Hubballi to assess the status of several pending railway infrastructure projects in the Belagavi Lok Sabha constituency.
During the meeting, the long-pending Belagavi–Kittur–Dharwad new railway line project came up for detailed discussion. Railway officials informed the MP that the project has been delayed as the Karnataka government is yet to hand over the required land to South Western Railway. Around 1,430 acres have reportedly been identified for acquisition along the proposed route, but compensation to farmers is yet to be distributed and the land has not been transferred to the Railways.
Shettar said the issue had already been discussed at the district administration level and assured that efforts would be made to draw the state government’s attention to expedite the process.
The proposed Belagavi–Parkanatti–Gokak–Yadwad railway line also figured prominently in the discussions. Stressing the industrial importance of the route, Shettar said several cement industries and sugar factories operate in the region and instructed railway officials to once again submit the proposal to the Railway Board based on public and industrial demand. He also said he would take up the matter with the Union Railway Minister.
Another major proposal discussed was the Lokapura–Ramdurg–Savadatti–Dharwad railway line. Calling it a long-standing public demand, the MP pointed out that nearly two crore devotees visit the Shri Renukadevi temple at Savadatti annually. He proposed that a survey for the route be taken up as the first step, with an estimated survey cost of ₹70 lakh requiring Railway Board approval. Officials informed him that the proposal was already under consideration with the Railway Board, following which Shettar directed them to send another reminder.
The MP also expressed concern over the slow pace of development works at Belagavi and Ghataprabha railway stations being upgraded under the PM Amrit Bharat Station scheme. The South Western Railway General Manager reportedly instructed officials to speed up execution of the works.
Discussions were also held on developing Sambra and Desur railway stations as alternative terminals to Belagavi railway station. Railway officials said the proposal would be examined further in the coming days.
On train connectivity, the meeting discussed restarting railway services between Belagavi and Manuguru. Officials informed the MP that services connected to Secunderabad, Hyderabad and Charlapalli would be operated from Belagavi.
The proposed Bengaluru–Mumbai train service via Belagavi was also reviewed. Railway officials informed the MP that the proposal is currently with the Union Railway Ministry and is expected to receive approval soon. Once operational, the journey between Bengaluru and Mumbai via Belagavi is expected to be completed in around 23 hours.
Shettar also urged railway authorities to introduce a new Belagavi–Londa–Goa train service, citing long-standing public demand and the need for improved regional connectivity.
Hyderabad Bgm needs focus too.
Very bad between these cities
MP. JAGADISH Shettar deserves ALL PRAISE and appreciation for his creatve involvement for goading Railway officials to speed up works.
Wonder if he did so while being representative from Hubli, but beiing at least socialy focused now is very much appreciable.
Big THANK YOU to Gagadesh Sir.