A memorandum was submitted to MP E. Tukaram on Monday seeking the restoration of the Belagavi–Hospet–Raichur–Hyderabad (Managur) train, introduction of a direct train to Mangaluru, and modernization of the Hospet railway station, among other demands.
Office-bearers of the Vijayanagara Railway Users Association, led by president Y. Yamunesh and secretary Mahesh Kuduthini, met the MP and presented the petition.
The association pointed out that the Belagavi–Hospet–Raichur–Hyderabad train, which had been operating for eight years, had been discontinued for the past six months. They urged that the service be resumed or a new train be introduced between Hubballi and Raichur. They also emphasized that a direct rail link to Mangaluru would improve connectivity between Hampi and other World Heritage sites such as Belur and Halebidu, besides benefiting major tourist, religious, educational, and healthcare destinations, including Dharmasthala, Kukke Subramanya, and Mangaluru.
The memorandum further sought extension of the Hospet–Solapur train up to Pandharpur, modernization of Hospet railway station, construction of a pit line, and addition of two new platforms.
Those present included Deepak Ulli, Jeera Kallesh, Prabhakar, M. Shankrappa, K.V. Ramali, R. Ramesh Gowda, Nazir Saab, Shravankumar, J. Varun, Manohar, Krishnamurthy Rao, Nagaraja Rao, Arun Kumar, Srinivasa Rao, Amarnath Katare, Harishankar Rao, and others.