Belagavi: Traders’ associations in Belagavi have urged South Western Railway (SWR) to improve rail connectivity between Belagavi and Goa and strengthen services on the Hubballi–Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) Express connecting North Karnataka with Mumbai.
For more details : https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubballi/traders-seek-daily-belagavi-goa-train-more-coaches-for-mumbai-express/articleshow/132867414.cms
In a memorandum submitted to SWR General Manager P. Ananth through the Divisional Railway Manager, Hubballi, the Traders Council, Belagavi, and the Belgaum Cloth Silk and Textile Merchants Association requested the introduction of a daily morning passenger, DEMU, MEMU, or intercity train between Belagavi and Vasco-da-Gama. They also sought the conversion of the existing weekly Belagavi–Goa Express into a daily service.
The associations urged the railway authorities to reduce travel time on the route by improving operations and making better use of electrification. They also called for enhanced passenger amenities, including better waiting halls, improved cleanliness, digital information systems, catering facilities, and additional intercity train services.
Highlighting the growing demand for the Hubballi–LTT Express, the traders said passengers are finding it increasingly difficult to secure confirmed sleeper-class reservations. They appealed to the Railway Ministry to add four sleeper coaches and one AC three-tier coach to the train.
The memorandum also proposed revising the train’s schedule so that it reaches Belagavi at around 8 pm while travelling towards Mumbai, making the service more convenient for passengers from Hubballi, Dharwad, Gadag and nearby regions.
According to the associations, improved rail connectivity will boost tourism, trade, and economic growth in Karnataka and Goa while benefiting students, professionals, government employees, and patients. Copies of the memorandum were also sent to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar.
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