In a pivotal move for Karnataka’s railway infrastructure, Hon’ble MoSR Shri V. Somanna inaugurated the Gadag–Kushtagi railway line and flagged off a new train to SSS Hubballi. The foundation stone for the Sindhanur–Raichur line was also laid, alongside the sanctioning of two new final location surveys to accelerate state-wide rail connectivity.
Introduction:
Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, Shri V. Somanna inaugurated the 56 km Gadag (Talakal)–Kushtagi railway line at Kushtagi Station and flagged off Train No. 17328 connecting Kushtagi to SSS Hubballi. The event also included the foundation stone laying of the 81 km Sindhanur–Raichur section, part of the Ginigera–Raichur project.
The inauguration highlights the Centre’s commitment to strengthening rail connectivity and economic advancement in Karnataka.
Strengthening State-Centre Partnership:
Addressing gatherings at Kushtagi and Sindhanur, Shri V. Somanna appreciated the Government of Karnataka for providing free land and 50% project funding, citing it as an outstanding model of Centre-State collaboration. He emphasized the economic benefits of new rail lines, job creation, and improved logistics for the region.
Image Credit: MoR
Hon’ble Minister shared several infrastructure and modernization initiatives:
- 100% Electrification of Karnataka’s railway network by 2025
- Rs. 7,564 crore allocated for rail development in Karnataka for FY 2025
- Upgradation of stations with airport-like facilities
- Introduction of 10 Vande Bharat trains in the state
- Expansion of the Kavach safety system
- Railway exams now available in Kannada
He also confirmed that a new train service will soon be introduced for the region and announced a new survey for the Almatti–Yadgir line.
Voices from the Ground:
At the event, Hon’ble Minister Shri Basavaraj Rayaraddi appreciated the continuous efforts over the years and called the new line a lifeline for Kalyana Karnataka. He asked for faster electrification and project completion to enhance benefits.
Hon’ble Minister Shri Tangadagi pushed for a survey of the Daroji–Almatti line and requested a new Bengaluru-bound train for the region.
Project Details:
Gadag (Talakal)–Kushtagi New Line (56.1 km):
- Part of the 257 km Gadag–Wadi project
- Total Project Cost: Rs. 2,841.84 crore
- Inaugurated section cost: Rs. 620 crore
- Stations: Talkal, Kuknur, Sangnal, Yelburga, Hanumapur, Kushtagi
- Joint funding: 50:50 between Railways & Karnataka Government
Sindhanur–Raichur Section (81 km):
- Part of the 165.57 km Munirabad (Ginigera)–Raichur project
- Total Project Cost: Rs. 3,402.22 crore
- 84 km between Ginigera to Sindhanur already commissioned
- Remaining section under execution
- Joint funding and land support from the Karnataka Government
Railway Board Sanctioned Two Critical Final Location Surveys (FLS):
- Bhadravati–Chikjajur (73 km) via Channagiri
- Almatti–Yadgir (162 km)
These surveys will determine feasibility, alignment, and cost assessments, laying the groundwork for future connectivity in underserved regions.
Dignitaries in Attendance:
- Shri Basavaraj Rayaraddi, Economic Advisor to CM & MLA, Yelburga
- Shri Shivaraj Tangadagi, Minister for Backward Class Welfare & District In-charge for Koppal
- Shri Doddanagouda H. Patil, MLA Kushtagi
- Smt. Hemalatha Nayak, MLC
- Shri Ajay Sharma, CAO/Construction
- Smt. Bela Meena, DRM Hubballi
- Shri Nalini Atul, DC Koppal
Conclusion:
With the inauguration of the Gadag–Kushtagi section and foundation of Sindhanur–Raichur line, Karnataka’s rail network enters a phase of rapid transformation. The Centre-State synergy, modern train services, and new surveys indicate a strong roadmap ahead—aimed at making rail travel more accessible, efficient, and economically impactful for the region.
Source: PIB – Press Release | Featured Image Credit (representational): MoR
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