The Belagavi–Dharwad railway line via Kittur has hit a major roadblock, with the project stalled due to the state government’s delay in releasing compensation to landowners. This comes three months after Belagavi Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan announced that land acquisition was almost complete and ready to be handed over to the Railways.
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A total of 788.1 acres is being acquired—406.1 acres in Belagavi district and 382 acres in Dharwad district. While Belagavi authorities have submitted a proposal seeking ₹149.2 crore in compensation, the file remains pending with the government. In Dharwad too, a proposal worth ₹94 crore is awaiting approval. Officials confirm that the delay in releasing funds is the main reason for the project’s stagnation.
Sanctioned seven years ago, the railway project—pushed by the late Union Minister of State for Railways Suresh Angadi—carries an estimated cost of ₹937 crore. As per norms, the state must provide the required land free of cost and contribute 50% of the project’s total expenditure.
Belagavi MP Jagadish Shettar expressed strong dissatisfaction over the prolonged delay, stating that the project is being unnecessarily held up due to the government’s inaction. He warned that continued delays could lead to increased project costs. Shettar has written to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urging swift intervention to revive the long-pending railway line.
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