The Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) has not been able to acquire 155 acres of land essential for the new Belagavi-Dharwad railway line via Kittur. During a recent review, Shettar directed the district administration to convene a meeting with relevant officials to identify and address the acquisition bottlenecks.
KIADB officials stated that a total of 644 acres are needed for the railway project. However, they are facing significant challenges in securing 155 acres in Belagavi district due to resistance from farmers in Konduskoppa, Desur, and three other villages. Additionally, the officials pointed out that railway authorities’ refusal to alter the project alignment is contributing to the delays.
Of the 600 acres required for the railway line, 322 acres have already been acquired from Dharwad to Hirebagewadi. The remaining 155 acres, including land in Kuruvinakoppa near Belagavi, are yet to be acquired.
MP Shettar stressed the urgency of the matter, stating, “A meeting should be called regarding the pending land acquisition, and a solution to the problem should be found immediately.”