Raichur, May 15: In a significant move to enhance transportation in Karnataka, the foundation stone for an 81 km railway line connecting Sindhanur and Raichur was laid today at the Sindhanur railway station. This project is a part of the Munirabad (Ginigera)–Raichur new railway line project.
Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti,V. Somanna, officially commenced the project by pressing a button, marking the beginning of construction.
Minister Somanna addressed the gathering, emphasizing the central government’s dedication to national development. He highlighted the allocation of an additional ₹44,000 crore for Karnataka’s railway infrastructure, underscoring the importance of this project in the state’s growth.
The new railway line will feature around 17 stations, significantly improving access in the Kalyana Karnataka region. Minister Somanna noted that the construction is expected to be completed within three years, following directives from Union Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Reflecting on the contributions of past leaders, Minister Somanna praised former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for prioritizing national highway development and acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s continued efforts in infrastructure expansion.
Minister Somanna called upon railway officials to maintain open communication with local representatives to address ongoing issues, including train stoppages and other service concerns.
Basavaraj Rayareddy, Chief Economic Advisor to the Chief Minister, shared his experiences from 1996 when, as a Member of Parliament, he worked under Prime Minister Deve Gowda to initiate railway projects like the Gadag-Wadi connection. He expressed satisfaction in seeing the foundation laying of the new Sindhanur–Raichur railway line.
Hampanagouda Badarli, MLA of Sindhanur and Chairman of the Karnataka State Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation, acknowledged the efforts of former Union Railway Ministers C.K. Jaffer Sharief and Mallikarjun Kharge. He expressed hope that Minister Somanna would continue this legacy of impactful work.
He also requested the establishment of a railway point in the Sindhanur area to support the high demand for fertilizers and advocated for the initiation of a Sindhanur–Vijayawada railway service. Additionally, he emphasized the need for online ticketing facilities at the Sindhanur railway station.
Raichur MLA Dr. Shivaraj S. Patil praised Minister Somanna’s proactive role in the development of Raichur district, noting his previous tenure as the state housing minister, during which he facilitated the construction of numerous houses. He appealed for the commencement of railway services from Raichur to Jodhpur.
Minister Shivaraj Sangappa Tangadagi and SWR officials were present.
