Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, V. Somanna, announced that the Union government is investing ₹6,200 crore in various railway projects across the Ballari and Hospet areas in the Kalyana Karnataka region. Speaking to the media after a meeting with officials in Ballari on Sunday, he stated that several project surveys have been completed, and work on the Detailed Project Report (DPR) has commenced.
“We are investing ₹3,080 crore to double the railway track along a 185-km stretch between Ballari and Chikjajur. The survey is complete, and the project is expected to be finished in two years,” Mr. Somanna said. He also mentioned that a technical feasibility study is underway for a 53-km track doubling between Swamihalli and Rayadurg, with a DPR in progress.
Regarding the proposed quadruple-track line between Ballari and Hosapete, Mr. Somanna confirmed that the survey is complete, and work on the DPR is ongoing. He noted, “Over ₹3,000 crore is being spent on projects in this region, including doubling the 20-km Vyasanakere-Amaravathi Colony and 29-km Toranagallu-Ranjitpur sections. Additionally, Ballari and Hosapete stations are being upgraded under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme at a cost of ₹15.17 crore.”
The Minister highlighted that 21 railway projects worth ₹43,000 crore are being executed across Karnataka. He also mentioned that 103 Vande Bharat Express trains are operating across 24 states, covering 303 districts, offering comfortable and affordable travel for the poor and middle class.
Further, he added that Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra have given their preliminary consent to merge Konkan Railway, which has a 741-km stretch along India’s west coast, with Indian Railways.
On recruitment, Mr. Somanna said that notifications have been issued for 24 lakh vacancies in the Indian Railways, and candidates now have the option to write the exams in Kannada. He urged aspirants in Karnataka to take advantage of this opportunity.
During the meeting, Ballari MLA Nara Bharath Reddy raised concerns about the delay in the railway bridge expansion near Kanaka Durgamma Temple, despite a ₹9 crore payment made by Ballari Urban Development Authority. In response, Mr. Somanna assured he would address the issue with the concerned officials.
Ballari MP E. Tukaram also highlighted issues with the railway underbridge in S.N. Pete, which floods even with light rainfall. He requested action on expanding the railway overbridge near Moti Circle and completing work on overbridges near Ananthashayana Temple in Hosapete and Siddammanahalli in Ballari taluk. Mr. Somanna directed engineers to promptly resolve these issues.
