Union Minister V Somanna Reviews Davanagere-Chitradurga Rail Project, Sets Ambitious 2027 Deadline
Union Minister of State for Railways V Somanna conducted a detailed inspection of the new railway track from Tolahunase to Bharamasagar on Thursday, emphasizing the critical importance of this infrastructure development for Central Karnataka. During the visit, MP Prabha Mallikarjun and various senior railway officers were present to assess the ongoing work and address key challenges.
Project Timeline and Progress Assessment
Minister Somanna revealed that the direct railway line connecting Davanagere and Chitradurga is expected to be fully operational by the end of June 2027. However, he expressed significant dissatisfaction with the current physical progress, noting that only approximately 8% to 9% of the work has been completed so far. This slow pace has prompted urgent calls for contractors to accelerate their efforts and meet the ambitious deadlines.
The minister outlined specific milestones: the railway line should reach Bharamasagara by January 2027 and extend to Chitradurga by June 2027, with train operations commencing shortly thereafter. He stressed that quality work must remain the top priority for engineers, as this route is anticipated to significantly boost economic and industrial development across the districts in Central Karnataka.
Broader Railway Network Expansion
In addition to the Davanagere-Chitradurga line, Minister Somanna highlighted several other crucial routes scheduled for completion by the end of December 2027. These include the Davanagere–Chitradurga–Tumakuru corridor, the Rayadurga–Tumakura line, and the Gadag–Wadi connection. All these projects are slated to be made available for public service, enhancing regional connectivity and transportation efficiency.
"I will review progress through video conferences with officials every month," Somanna asserted, demonstrating his commitment to regular monitoring and accountability. This proactive approach aims to prevent delays and ensure that all stakeholders remain focused on the project's successful execution.
Land Acquisition and Operational Plans
A critical aspect of the project involves land acquisition. Minister Somanna directed the special land acquisition officer to complete all necessary processes promptly, ensuring that no land acquisition issues remain pending on the 28-kilometer stretch between Bharamasagara and Chitradurga. He emphasized that minor obstacles should be resolved swiftly to avoid unnecessary holdups.
Regarding operational strategies, Somanna announced plans to run a passenger train between Tolahunse and Aanagodu starting in July, leveraging the rapidly progressing construction on the Davanagere–Chitradurga–Tumakuru direct line. Track installation has already been completed up to Hebbal village in the taluk, marking a significant achievement.
"The direct railway line will be operational by December 2027," the minister stated during a public meeting at Aanagodu railway station. "If trains do not run on the already constructed tracks, it could cause issues. A passenger train will be operated every 20 kilometers between major completed sections."
Safety and Maintenance Measures
To ensure the project's long-term success, Minister Somanna outlined several safety and maintenance protocols. A technical expert team from the railway department will conduct thorough inspections of the tracks, with decisions regarding train operations to follow based on their findings. Maintaining the newly constructed railway stations in optimal condition presents a challenge, requiring coordinated efforts.
The responsibility for preventing illegal activities during nighttime hours will fall to the Railway Protection Force (RPF), with local police also expected to cooperate closely. This collaborative approach aims to safeguard the infrastructure and ensure safe operations for future passengers.
Overall, the Davanagere-Chitradurga railway project represents a transformative initiative for Karnataka's transportation landscape, with Minister V Somanna's rigorous oversight and clear timelines setting the stage for enhanced regional connectivity and economic growth.
