​​​​In a major boost to rail infrastructure in Karnataka, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, Shri V. Somanna, today inaugurated the Gadag (Talakal) – Kushtagi (56 km) new railway line at Kushtagi Railway Station. As part of the ceremony, he also flagged off the inaugural run of Train No. 17328 between Kushtagi and SSS Hubballi stations.

Addressing a gathering at Kushtagi and Sindhanur, Shri V. Somanna reaffirmed the Central Government’s strong commitment to accelerating infrastructure development in Karnataka. He stated that the recently inaugurated and upcoming railway lines will enhance connectivity, generate employment, and boost the region’s economic growth. He appreciated the Government of Karnataka for providing land free of cost and sharing project expenses, calling it a model for Centre-State collaboration.

The Minister highlighted key achievements over the past 10 years, including progress in new line construction, doubling, and electrification works. He announced that 100% electrification will be achieved by 2025 and a budget allocation of ₹7,564 crore has been made for FY 2025. He also spoke about modernising railway stations with airport-like facilities, the introduction of 10 Vande Bharat trains in Karnataka, and assured another train for the region soon.

He further informed that the Kavach safety system has been implemented in South Western Railway, and Kannada candidates can now write exams in Kannada. He announced the approval of a new survey for the proposed Almatti–Yadgir railway line and mentioned that funds have been earmarked for various ongoing projects in FY 2025–26. He concluded by assuring that all level crossing gates will be eliminated in the near future.

Hon’ble Minister Shri Basavaraj Rayaraddi praised the MoSR for inaugurating the new railway line and acknowledged the many challenges faced over the years to bring this project to the region. He emphasized that the new line will significantly improve connectivity to the Kalyana Karnataka region and drive economic development. He urged the authorities to expedite the project's completion, appreciated the Railways' efforts in serving the poor, and requested the electrification of the newly inaugurated line.

Later, Hon’ble Minister Tangadagi requested a survey for the proposed Daroji–Almatti new railway line and urged the introduction of another train connecting Bengaluru to this region, stating that people here are largely dependent on road transport and a new train would greatly benefit the local population.

Later in the day, the Minister laid the foundation stone for the Sindhanur – Raichur (81 km) new railway line at Shindhanur Railway Station, marking another key development under the ongoing railway expansion in the region.

The 56.1 km Gadag (Talakal)–Kushtagi section, part of the 257 km Gadag (Talakal)–Wadi New Line Project (₹2,841.84 crore), has been completed at a cost of ₹620 crore. It includes six stations—Talkal, Kuknur, Sangnal, Yelburga, Hanumapur, and Kushtagi—and is being executed with 50:50 cost-sharing between Indian Railways and the Karnataka Government, which also provided land free of cost.

The foundation stone for the 81 km Sindhanur–Raichur section marks the next phase of the 165.57 km Munirabad (Ginigera)–Raichur New Line Project, sanctioned at ₹3,402.22 crore. Implemented on a 50:50 cost-sharing basis with the Karnataka Government (including land costs), 84 km from Ginigera to Sindhanur has already been commissioned, and work on the rest is underway.

The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Shri Basavaraj Rayaraddi Hon’ble Economic Advisor to Chief Minister of Karnataka & MLA Yelburga, Shri Shivaraj Tangadagi Hon’ble Minister for Backward class Welfare, Kanndana & Culture & District Incharge Minister Koppal, Shri Doddanagouda H. Patil, Chief Whip of the Opposition and MLA from Kushtagi; and Smt. Hemalatha Nayak, MLC. Shri Ajay Sharma CAO/Construction, Smt Bela Meena DRM Hubballi Shri Nalini Atul DC Koppal, and other Dignitiries were present.

 

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(Release ID: 2128944)