Hubballi: South Western Railway (SWR) has clarified that it has taken up various development works at Vijayapura railway station. Responding to the report 'SWR neglect leaves V'pura station in shambles', published on Friday, Manjunath Kanamadi, chief PRO, SWR, Hubballi, said that Vijayapura Station is currently undergoing extensive redevelopment, and the issues highlighted are temporary due to ongoing works.
"At present, extension of Platforms No. 2 and 3 is not feasible owing to operational limitations. Currently, the platforms have a width of 5 metres over a length of 320 metres, along with a temporary extension of 100 metres with a width of 1 metre to facilitate additional stoppage of trains during peak movement during this interim period. However, this will be addressed through planned yard remodelling works scheduled during May and June without affecting passenger movement. Upon completion, the platforms will be extended to a total length of 570 metres. Due to construction activities, the parking area has been reduced significantly, till the completion of the work. To manage the situation, an RPF staffer is deployed at the portico of the station to regulate vehicle movement. However, during peak hours, congestion may extend to the main road. Regular enforcement drives are conducted to remove unauthorised parking, with 219 cases booked in 2024-25 and 195 cases in 2025-26 under Section 159 of the Railway Act, and RPF is in regular coordination with Government Railway Police (GRP)," he added.
He further said, "A new G+1 station building, approx. 1,790 sqm, has been constructed and Phase 1 is already commissioned. Works include platform shelters, 6000 sq m, flooring, waiting halls, toilets, circulating area, parking, and illumination. A 12-metre-wide central Foot Over Bridge is under construction, which includes provision of 2 lifts and 2 escalators for improved accessibility. Modern telecom and passenger information systems such as coach indication boards, train indicators, public addressing system, and clocks are being installed. Vijayapura Station is being redeveloped at a total cost of Rs 43.2 crore, which includes enhancing passenger amenities and infrastructure, yard remodelling, construction of station building. These upgradations will remove operational constraints and the upgrading passenger infrastructure is being done such that heavy disruption to existing service is avoided."
The SWR official emphasized that the temporary inconveniences are part of a comprehensive upgrade aimed at modernizing the station. The ongoing works include platform extensions, a new station building, improved parking facilities, and advanced passenger information systems. Once completed, the station will offer enhanced comfort and efficiency for travelers. The yard remodelling, scheduled for May and June, is expected to resolve current platform constraints. Meanwhile, enforcement against unauthorized parking continues to ensure smooth traffic flow. The redevelopment project, with a budget of Rs 43.2 crore, underscores SWR's commitment to upgrading infrastructure while minimizing service disruptions.
