Four railway stations in Karnataka proposed to be named after saints, reveals Minister’s letter to Centre

Bengaluru: Minister for Infrastructure Development M. B. Patil has recently recommended the renaming of four railway stations — located in Vijayapura, Belagavi, Bidar, and Sooragondanakoppa in Shivamogga district — to reflect their local cultural significance.

In this regard, he has written to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, a release has said.

In his letter, the Minister has reportedly proposed that the Vijayapura railway station be renamed “Jnanayogi Sri Siddeshwar Swamiji Railway Station”, the Belagavi station as “Sri Basava Mahaswamiji Railway Station”, the Bidar station as “Channabasava Pattaddevaru Railway Station”, and the Sooragondanakoppa station as “Bhayagada Railway Station”.

The State government has recommended these names in honour of revered saints who have contributed greatly to Karnataka’s spiritual and social heritage.

Approval from the Union Home Ministry is required for the renaming, and the proposal has accordingly been forwarded through the Infrastructure Development Department, the Minister stated.

All four railway stations fall under the Hubballi division of South Western Railway.

“The saints whose names have been proposed have rendered invaluable service to the regions concerned. I have urged that the proposal be approved and the renaming officially notified in the Gazette at the earliest,” Patil said.