Railway projects in Karnataka: MB Patil reviews major projects, highlights cutting travel time between Bengaluru-Vijayapura to 10 hours

Karnataka Infrastructure Development Minister MB Patil conducted an important progress review meeting on Tuesday with South Western Railway officials to evaluate several ongoing railway projects being carried out on a cost-sharing basis with the central government.

Land acquisition, infrastructure issues discussed 

During the meeting, key issues were discussed, including land acquisition challenges affecting various railway projects such as Gadag-Wadi, Dharwad-Belagavi, Tumkuru-Davanagere, and Tumkuru-Rayadurga. The discussion centred on identifying and implementing necessary actions to accelerate these projects, reports PTI.

According to a statement from the minister’s office, Patil reached out to several officials during the meeting, including Ministers Priyank Kharge, Lakshmi Hebbalkar, Santosh Lad, the Deputy Commissioners of Davanagere and Haveri districts, and senior officials from Krishna Jala Bhagya Nigam. He urged them to address the issues related to the projects in their respective districts. Additionally, Patil announced plans to meet with Union Minister of State for Railways, V Somanna, soon.

The meeting also covered the 242 km double track between Gadag-Hotgi, the 45 km double track between Bagalkote and Kudachi, concerns regarding small bridges in the backwater region of Almatti, delays in the launch of the Vande Bharat train to Vijayapura, and infrastructure deficiencies at Hubballi South Railway Station.

Cut travel time to North Karnataka

Patil stressed that resolving these issues could reduce travel time between Bengaluru and Vijayapura to around 10 hours. He pointed out that currently, trains travelling from Bengaluru to North Karnataka divert towards Gadag near Hubballi South Station, bypassing Gadag Main Station before continuing to Vijayapura and Solapur via the Gadag bypass.

Patil also underscored the importance of developing Hubballi Station to be more commuter-friendly and eliminating the need for trains to stop at Hubballi Main Station for engine changes, which would significantly shorten the travel time between Bengaluru and Vijayapura.

The review also included discussions on the Gadag-Wadi, Bagalkote-Kudachi, Tumkuru-Davanagere, and Tumkuru-Rayadurga projects, according to the statement.