No timeframe set for Belagavi – Dharwad direct line project : Anand Singh

Published March 6, 2021

Infrastructure Development, Haj and Wakf Minister Anand Singh said that the timeframe for the Belagavi-Kittur-Dharwad direct railway line project is not set.

He has given a written answer to the question asked by the Chief Whip of Government of Karnataka, Mahantesh Kavatagimath.

“With the construction of the new route, the duration of the train journey between the two cities will be reduced by is 31 km. The construction cost is estimated at ₹ 988.30 crores. A total of 335 acres of land is required. The state government will have to pay 50 percent, which is ₹ 494.15 crore. The detailed project report is being prepared and the grant will be reserved only after the Railway Department submits an accurate estimate of the required grants” answered Anand Singh.

Also he has mentioned that ‘The land acquisition process will begin once the comprehensive plan report is ready. The work will be carried out later’

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Kavatagimatha said the answer provided by the government is inadequate.

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“There is long pending demand for the construction of a new rail line between Dharwad-Belagavi. It takes about four hours to reach Belagavi from Dharwad where train have to travel long distance to reach Belagavi using Londa. If a direct rail line is built, it will save time. Can be reached in just 45 minutes. Against this backdrop, in 1996, then Prime Minister H.D. Devegowda had ordered the survey. However, the survey was carried out last year”

“The plans for the Union Budget for the year 2020-21 have been announced as a result of the will of the late Suresh Angadi, the former Minister of State for Railways. The center has also provided grants. The state government needs to respond quickly and take action. It is the responsibility of the state to start the land acquisition process immediately and cooperate fully. Necessary steps should be taken in this regard”

Kavatagimath also said that the demand should be met. He urged to finance the project in this budget (2021).