MARGAO
Union Minister of State for Railways Suresh Angadi has stated that doubling of the railway line between Castle Rock and Vasco is expected to be a reality soon, as the land acquisition issue is expected to be resolved soon with the intervention of Goa government.
He was speaking to media persons on Monday regarding the sanction of a new direct railway line between Dharwad and Belagavi, a project which has been the long-standing demand of people of North Karnataka.
“The double-tracking between Londa and Miraj is on the verge of completion while double-tracking between Londa and Tinaighat would be completed in the next couple of months. After the double-tracking completes, it would enhance the faster connectivity and better train services,” said Angadi.
“Work in Goa is also expected to complete as I understand the Goa government has taken up the land acquisition matter.”
Giving details about the newly sanctioned railway line, the union minister said at present, rail connectivity between Belagavi and Dharwad goes via Londa junction, which is a circuitous route.
“With this new line, the distance between the three important cities of Hubballi, Dharwad and Belagavi will reduce, resulting in significant development, while running time of trains between Hubballi and Belagavi will also reduce,” he said.
“The Karnataka government will give free land for the project while Rs 927.40 crore cost of the project would be shared on a 50-50 sharing basis by the State government and Indian Railways,” the union minister added.
