Minister reviews state railway projects, seeks reduction in travel time between Bengaluru, Vijayapura

Bengaluru: MB Patil, Minister for Infrastructure Development, recently directed officials to take swift action to reduce the train travel time between Bengaluru and Vijayapura from the current 14–15 hours to around 10 hours.

He convened a review meeting with top officials of the South Western Railway to discuss ongoing and upcoming railway projects in the state. The Minister stated that another meeting would be held soon to follow up on the progress.

Highlighting the need for improved connectivity, Patil presented facts and figures to suggest that even operating a few trains between Bengaluru and Vijayapura via the Hubballi–Gadag bypass route would benefit commuters from Vijayapura and Bagalkote regions.

Currently, trains travelling to Vijayapura have to reach Hubballi main station, where an engine change takes place.

A second engine change is required at Gadag, which consumes additional time. The Minister pointed out that if trains are diverted towards Gadag at the Hubballi South station instead, this delay could be significantly reduced.

He further suggested that trains could avoid touching Gadag station by taking the Gadag bypass, thus eliminating the need for engine changes and saving at least two hours of travel time.

Railway officials responded positively to the suggestion and assured that the matter would be taken up with higher authorities.

Discussing the Gadag–Vijayapura double-tracking project, Patil said that once the electrification and a section of the track near Bagalkote were completed, steps could be taken to introduce the Vande Bharat Express on the route.

Regarding the Dharwad–Kittur–Belagavi line, the Minister acknowledged public demand to alter the alignment near Mammigatti and announced that a meeting with locals would be held soon to expedite land acquisition.

On the Bagalkote–Kudachi project, Patil spoke with the District Commissioner over phone and instructed immediate action on the demands raised by farmers in Khajjidoni and Lokapura for higher compensation.

He also directed the Assistant Commissioner of Chikkodi to swiftly hand over seven acres of land near Yadawada.

For the Gadag–Kudachi route, he assured that the required 148 acres of land would be made available within three months. In the case of the Kushtagi–Jimalapura project, the 47 acres of land needed would be provided soon, and directed steps to commence train services between Linganabanda and Kushtagi.

On the long-awaited Tumakuru–Chitradurga–Davanagere route, Patil mentioned that 95 acres of land acquisition was still pending.

He informed that Rs 45 crore has been sought from the Finance Department and expressed confidence that the process would be completed within 3–4 months.

For the Tumakuru–Rayadurga project, he said the remaining 17 acres would be handed over within a month.

Speaking on the much-delayed Hubballi–Ankola line, the Minister said the first stage of approval had been granted, and the second stage was expected within a month.

Regarding the Bengaluru–Mangaluru route, Patil mentioned that discussions were underway to resolve issues, particularly the stretch between Sakleshapura and Subrahmanya.

Options such as alternate track laying, a parallel track along the existing one, or an elevated corridor are being considered. A tender will soon be invited to conduct a detailed survey, he added.

The Minister also warned that strict action, including suspension, would be taken against officials who skip review meetings.

The meeting was attended by N. Manjula, Secretary, Govinda Reddy, Joint Secretary of Infrastructure, Ajay Sharma, Chief Administrative Officer of Indian Railways D.V. Prasad, Chief Engineer, Railways, and land acquisition officers involved in the respective projects.