Minister MB Patil Urges Double Track Between Bengaluru-Mangaluru

Bengaluru: Infrastructure Development Minister MB Patil has urged Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna to initiate the work of laying double track between Bengaluru-Mangaluru and Hubballi-Dharwad. He also called for the new railway project connecting Chitradurga-Hosapete-Alamatti to be taken up.

During a progress review meeting held at Vidhana Soudha on Monday, Patil emphasised that the absence of a double track between Bengaluru and Mangaluru has hindered industrial growth in the region. He further noted that if the Hubballi-Ankola railway project becomes a reality, it would significantly boost industrial development in North Karnataka.

Patil also highlighted the need for a tunnel track between Sakaleshapura and Subramanya and requested approval for the new Chitradurga-Hosapete-Koppal-Alamatti-Vijayapura railway project. He explained that with minor modifications, the current travel time of 14 hours between Bengaluru and Vijayapura could be reduced to 10 hours.

Minister Somanna stated that the Prime Minister would soon launch 10 new Vande Bharat trains, including one for Karnataka. However, he mentioned that the route for the new Vande Bharat train within the state has not yet been finalised.

Aravind Srivastava, General Manager of South Western Railway, and other officials were also present at the meeting.