Compensation Delay May Slow Dharwad–Kittur–Belagavi Rail Project

The Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) has completed land acquisition for a major portion of the first phase of the 73-km Dharwad–Kittur–Belagavi new railway line. However, distribution of compensation to farmers is still pending, raising concerns over possible delays in the project. In the first phase, acquisition was proposed for 888.47 acres, while 700.20 acres are planned under the second phase — taking the total proposed acquisition to 1,588.79 acres. So far, 617.67 acres have been acquired in Phase One: 121.31 acres in Dharwad district 407.28 acres in Belagavi district 89.08 acres under Phase Two in Dharwad Compensation of ₹250 crore has been fixed for the acquired 617.67 acres. The state government had released ₹50 crore four months ago. The Finance Department Secretary has now directed KIADB to immediately distribute this amount to farmers and submit a proposal seeking release of the remaining funds. Officials estimate that total compensation for the entire 1,588.79 acres could range between ₹600–700 crore. Additionally, around ₹15 crore may be required towards compensation for buildings, trees, and other income-generating assets on the acquired lands. Compensation demands currently include: ₹89 crore for 210 acres in Dharwad district ₹149.28 crore for 407.28 acres in 15 villages under Hirebagewadi limits in Belagavi district The acquisition process for 141.28 acres across eight villages — including KK Koppa, Iddalahonda, and Nagenahatti — has been completed. A meeting to finalise compensation rates, scheduled for February 25, was postponed. Approval has also been granted for acquiring 463 acres in Belagavi district under Phase Two. A committee meeting with farmers is expected soon to finalise pricing. Preliminary notification has additionally been issued for acquisition of 128 acres in seven villages. In Dharwad district, 20.37 acres in Mammigatti and 41.21 acres in Belur industrial areas remain to be acquired. Farmers have strongly opposed the move. The district in-charge minister has reportedly advised South Western Railway to alter the alignment to avoid this land. However, the final decision rests with the railway authorities. The proposed railway alignment cuts through industrial areas developed by the state government itself. Around 40–45 acres may need to be reacquired. Compensation here could range between ₹1.20 crore and ₹1.50 crore per acre. Though ₹50 crore has already been earmarked for Dharwad district land compensation, officials say distribution and formal handover of land to South Western Railway may take time. Unless the remaining funds are released in the upcoming state budget, the Dharwad–Belagavi direct railway line project could face further delays. Source: Vijay Karnataka