The long-pending Nanded–Bidar railway project, which aims to connect the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka, has encountered a significant hurdle. The Karnataka state government has now declined to bear its 50% share of the project cost, a decision that has sparked strong reactions from stakeholders and cast doubt on the project's future.
Details from the DISHA Meeting
The development came to light during the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting held in Nanded on Thursday. Officials from the railways department presented a progress report on various infrastructure projects, revealing that while the Maharashtra government had already agreed to bear its 50% cost share on February 5, 2024, the Karnataka government communicated its unwillingness to contribute its portion in a letter dated September 27, 2024.
BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Chavan reacted sharply to the news, describing Karnataka's stance as "disappointing." He stated that this refusal has dashed the expectations of people from both states and would severely impact regional connectivity and development prospects tied to the project.
Project Scope and Cost-Sharing Model
The Nanded–Bidar rail line, spanning approximately 157 kilometers, had received in-principle approval from the central government under a cost-sharing model that involved equal contributions from the central government and the two state governments. Of the total proposed length, around 101 kilometers falls within Maharashtra, while 56 kilometers lies in Karnataka.
Religious and Economic Significance
The project holds significant religious, economic, and strategic importance. It aims to directly connect two prominent Sikh pilgrimage sites — Hazur Sahib in Nanded and Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib in Bidar — via a dedicated rail route. The proposed connectivity was expected to greatly benefit pilgrims by providing seamless travel between the two shrines.
Apart from religious tourism, the rail link was also seen as a catalyst for boosting tourism, trade, and employment in the region. Improved rail connectivity would have facilitated economic integration between the two states, while also significantly reducing travel distance and time between Nanded and Bengaluru.
Political Reactions and Future Steps
The project has been under active consideration and follow-up for several years, with Chavan consistently advocating for its implementation. He reiterated that Karnataka's refusal to share the financial burden effectively stalls the project, despite Maharashtra having already committed its share.
Calling the development unjust, Chavan said he would take up the issue at the central level and also discuss it with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He stressed the need for intervention to ensure that the project does not get derailed, given its importance for inter-state connectivity and regional development.
Officials indicated that further clarity on the project's future will depend on discussions between the central government and the two state governments, even as stakeholders continue to push for its revival.
