Belagavi Lok Sabha MP Jagadish Shettar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi yesterday and presented him with a memento — a book titled Temple Treasures: A Journey Through Time, published by Hubballi Sahitya Bhandara.
During the meeting, MP Shettar expressed gratitude for the release of ₹100 crore towards the development of the Sri Kshetra Sri Renuka Ellamma Devi Temple in Savadatti. He also urged the Prime Minister to prioritize the development of the historic Sabari Kolla in Ramdurga, highlighting its cultural significance.
The MP further requested the extension of the Bengaluru–Dharwad Vande Bharat Express train to Belagavi, emphasizing the city’s rapid growth and its importance as Karnataka’s second capital. “Belagavi is a hub for education, industry, and healthcare, with premier institutions like Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Rani Channamma University (RCU), and KLE’s Hospital and Medical Research Centre,” Shettar stated in his appeal.
In addition, Shettar called for an extension of the UDAN 3.0 scheme to enhance air connectivity for tier-2 cities like Belagavi. He emphasized that this would benefit passengers and boost the region’s economic growth.
Prime Minister Modi assured Shettar that the matter of the Vande Bharat train service would be discussed with the Union Railway Minister, bringing hope to Belagavi residents who have long sought better rail connectivity.
Belagavi, situated on Karnataka’s border with Maharashtra and Goa, has a unique blend of historical significance and modern development. It is home to legendary freedom fighters like Rani Kittur Channamma, Rani Belawadi Mallamma, and Sangolli Rayanna. The city is also the location of the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha, hosting Karnataka’s legislative sessions during winter.
The Vande Bharat Express, initially planned to run from Bengaluru to Belagavi, currently terminates at Dharwad. While a trial run for extending the service to Belagavi was conducted successfully, the extended route has yet to be operationalized, leaving residents disappointed.
With Shettar’s continued advocacy, hopes are high for improved connectivity that will match Belagavi’s stature as a vital educational, industrial, and cultural hub in Karnataka.
Belgaum city is always deprived and neglected from 3 decades ,due to lack of political and social pressure on part of its citizens and politicians, The first and last major industry indal was established in year 1964 ,except for special economic zone ,Aques ,no major or minor industry has been operational in belgaum, late suresh angadi during his last term tried to improve some basic infrastructure but his unfortunate demise left the vaccum once , again, I appeal to citizens ,The chamber of commerce and social organisations to launch a joint agitation with charter of demends and ask our district in charge minister and mp to lead the agitation and delegation for justice,it’s high time we all unitefor our city and district