Member of Parliament K. Rajasekhar Hitnal stated on Wednesday that the central government’s Finance Department is expected to approve the proposals for the Bagalkot-Gangavati and Daroji-Gangavati railway routes, which cost ₹944 crore and will pass through the town of Kushtagi. He made these remarks while inspecting the construction of a railway overbridge near the town, which is being built at a cost of ₹35 crore.
Hitnal explained that once the Finance Department and the central cabinet grant their approval, the only remaining step will be to invite tenders. He noted that the survey for the Almati-Chitradurga route is already underway. The MP emphasized that significant attention is being paid to the implementation of railway projects in the Koppal constituency to support the development of the Kalyana Karnataka region. He mentioned that he has briefed Railway Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and V. Somanna on this matter.
Regarding infrastructure improvements, Hitnal said that priority is being given to barrier-free arrangements on the route between Hubballi and Hospet, including Gadag and Wadi. He confirmed that the Kushtagi flyover is complete and open to traffic. New railway overbridges have been approved near Bannikoppa, Madinuru, Hittanur, Bevinahalli, and Singatalur. Additionally, work will commence on a railway overbridge at Kidadahalli Cross near the new hospital in Koppal.
Addressing the demand for direct rail connectivity between Kushtagi and Bengaluru, Hitnal stated that the Managing Director has agreed to arrange another train service to Hubballi in the evening. A request has been made to link the train departing from Hubballi to Bengaluru by introducing a service from Kushtagi to Hubballi. However, he clarified that a direct train from Kushtagi to Bengaluru is not possible due to the absence of a service station facility.
Former MLA Amaregowda Bhyapur, Mahantesh Agasimundina, Doddabasana Gowda Bhyapur, Ladlemashak Yalburgi, Khaja Mainuddin Mulla, Manappa Thalar, and Umesh Mangaluru were present during the visit. Following the inspection, members of the Railway Struggle Committee, including Veeresh Bangar Shettar, Nazeer Saab Mulimani, and Mahantesh Mangaluru, expressed dissatisfaction, alleging a procrastinating attitude regarding rail connectivity to Bengaluru. Hitnal denied these claims and informed them that a delegation of other MPs and committee members would be taken to Delhi to discuss the issue with the Railway Minister.
Hitnal also stated that the proposal to convert the state highway between Koppal and Kushtagi into a national highway is under review at the Prime Minister’s Office. He noted that there is significant pressure from local leaders and the public, and the central government has been briefed on the necessity of this upgrade for traffic and connectivity. He assured that efforts in this regard will continue.
In a separate remark, Hitnal commented on the sting operation, stating that only three individuals were involved and the matter does not warrant serious attention. He alleged that the media is unnecessarily highlighting the issue and affirmed that the government is responsive to public aspirations.