Railway double line between Ghataprabha and Chikkodi road dedicated

Shri Suresh Chanabasappa Angadi, Hon’ble Union Minister of State of Railways dedicated the doubling of Railway Line between Ghataprabha and Chikkodi today (18.12.2019) from Ghatprabha Railway station. Shri Mahantesh M Kavatagimath, Hon’ble Chief Whip of Govt, Karnataka Legislative Council; Shri Prabhakar Kore, Hon’ble MP, Rajya Sabha; Shri Annasaheb Jolle, Hon’ble MP, Chikkodi; Shri Duryodhan Mahalingappa Aihole were present.

Shri Ajay Kumar Singh, GM/SWR welcomed the dignitaries and said that the Indian Railways is the growth engine of India’s economy. The railway is committed to the development and provision of better facilities to the Rail users. Infrastructure development especially doubling of the existing track is one of the priority items of Hon’ble Minister of State of Railways so that more trains can be run for the convenience of the passengers.

He said that the 16 km double line between Ghatprabha and Chikkodi is part of the 186 km of doubling of Londa – Miraj section. This project was sanctioned in 2015-16 at a cost of Rs.1191 Cr. This is the first section of this project which is being commissioned. Further 31 Kms between Chikkodi to Kudachi is also planned to be commissioned in this financial year, by March 2020. The entire project from Londa to Miraj is scheduled to be completed by 2021.

He said along with increasing section capacity and strengthening Railway Network in this region, many passenger amenities are also being provided as part of doubling. New Station Building with the upgraded amenities is being provided at Ghataprabha and Bagewadi Halt. Waiting rooms, High-level platforms, foot overbridges, extension of the platform, and improvement to platform surface will be provided which will augment passenger amenities at stations.

Shri Mahantesh Kavatagimath, Chief Whip of Govt. said that Londa-Miraj section is important as it joins two States Karnataka and Maharastra. This doubling will give impetus to the transportation of vegetables etc. grown around Belagavi/Chikkodi to Pune/Mumbai . He told that a cold storage (air-conditioned warehouse) shall be provided for facilitating preserving agricultural produce.

Shri Anna Saheb Jolle, Hon’ble MP/Chikkodi said that the number of works is being taken up in present regime. Raybag, Kudachi stations to be developed. Stoppage to all Express trains shall be given at Ghataprabha, Raybag and Chikkodi stations. Though sanctioned long back, the doubling project is in accelerated mode now. He appreciated the now regular Belagvai-Bengaluru train that has made travel to Bengaluru direct, faster and convenient for Belagavi people.

Shri Duryodhan Aihole Hon’ble MLA, Raybag said that Railway is the transport for citizens. He told that Belagavi-Bengaluru-Belagavi train is very popular. He requested that same to same train to be extended to Miraj for benefiting 5 Taluks within Belagavi District. He said that under the bridge to be constructed between Ghataprabha and Chikkodi. He also supported the need for cold storage at Ghataprabha.

Shri Prabhakar Kore, Hon’ble MP, Rajya Sabha said that Shri Suresh Angadi is doing unprecedented work and getting many works completed. He said that electrification work is also in progress in this section. He told that Hon’ble MoSR has promised that work in Dharwad-Kittur-Belagavi will begin in this year and appreciated the initiative of establishing a satellite office of RRB at Hubballi.

Shri Suresh Chanabasappa Angadi Hon’ble MoSR started his speech by thanking the sacrifices and struggle of freedom fighters with special mention to a freedom fighter present on the dais. He said that development of Railways in this area has been a long-cherished dream, work is presently going on for realizing the same. He acknowledged the work of Railway team led by GM/SWR in execution of sanctioned works.

Hon’ble MoSR said that the railway assets are responsibility of all citizens and all shall try to protect the same. He explained the background of Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB). He told that in stations, Railway Dept. shall employ (contractual/other than staff) natives to give job opportunities and result in the development of this area. He sought the co-operation of the public to the services and works of Railway. Hon’ble MoSR declared that Bengaluru – Belagavi train will be extended up to Raybag shortly.