In a written reply to Rajya Sabha MP Iranna Kadadi, Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the Belagavi–Dharwad new railway line via Kittur (73 km), sanctioned in 2020-21, remains stalled due to pending land acquisition by the Karnataka government.
The project, estimated at ₹927 crore, is being taken up on a 50:50 cost-sharing basis between the Centre and the State. As per the agreement, the Government of Karnataka is responsible for providing land free of cost and bearing half the construction expenses.
A total of 531 hectares of land is required for the project. However, not a single hectare has been acquired so far, delaying the project’s implementation despite continued fund allocation by the Centre.
Project Summary:
- Project: Belagavi–Dharwad New Railway Line (via Kittur)
- Length: 73 km
- Sanctioned: 2020-21
- Estimated Cost: ₹927 crore
- Cost Sharing: 50% – Centre, 50% – Karnataka (land to be provided free by state)
- Land Required: 531 hectares
- Land Acquired: 0 hectares
The Centre has reiterated its commitment to funding railway infrastructure but emphasized the need for state cooperation to move the project forward.