Rajat Ullagaddimath Smells a Rat in Railway Land Lease Deal at MTS Colony

Hubballi: Congress leader Rajat Ullagaddimath has questioned the decision of the Railway Land Development Authority to lease out one of the prime lands of the Railway Department, located at the MTS Colony on Karwar Road, to builders for 99 years at much lower rates.

In a press release, Rajat stated that this 13-acre land, valued at Rs 300 crores, is situated in a prime location and houses facilities such as railway quarters, hospitals, and other buildings. The land is currently more valuable than gold, with each square meter fetching more than 25 thousand rupees. However, Congress youth leader Rujath Ullagaddi questions why this land is being leased to builders for 99 years at a significantly lower rate.

This 13-acre plot under the Indian Railway Land Development Authority is worth approximately 300 crores. However, there is doubt as it has been leased to builders for only 83 crores, raising concerns among the public about the intention behind leasing it at such a low rate. Moreover, the public questions the need for giving this government land to real estate builders for a lease of 99 years. Rajat asked, “What is the purpose behind it?”

Rajat also highlighted that the railway requires land for various purposes, as the city houses the central office of South Western Railway. However, leasing this land to real estate builders for such an extended period has raised many doubts among the people. Public opinion insists that the hidden dealings behind this land must come to light, he said.

Primarily, the question arises as to why the government land, worth crores, is being given at a low cost to private builders, especially during the time of the Lok Sabha elections. Is the railway facing a loss? What is the real estate lobby’s influence behind leasing this land for such a long period?

Rajat Ullagaddi of the Ullagaddi Math has urged that this issue should be publicly addressed, especially as it coincides with the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The transparency of the decision-making process needs to be clarified, considering the substantial value involved. The process during the upcoming Lok Sabha election raises questions about the fairness of the deal, and the public demands an open discussion on who stands to gain the most from it.

Railway officials claim that the land was handed over to Railway Land Development Authority and denied any irregularities. And through proper channels and following all the procedures, the land was reserved for development.