Three months after deputy commissioner Mohammad Roshan stated that land acquisition for the Belagavi–Dharwad railway line via Kittur was nearly complete and would soon be handed over to the Railways, the project remains stuck. The hold-up stems from the state government’s failure to release compensation to landowners, which has brought progress to a standstill.
A total of 788.1 acres is being acquired, 406.1 acres in Belagavi district and 382 acres in Dharwad. While acquisition in Belagavi is almost complete and a proposal seeking ₹149.2 crore in compensation has been submitted, the file is still awaiting government clearance. In Dharwad, the process is in its final phase, with a ₹94 crore proposal sent for approval. Officials say the release of funds is the key bottleneck.
Sanctioned seven years ago through the efforts of former Union minister of state for railways Suresh Angadi, the project is estimated to cost ₹937 crore. As per guidelines, the state must provide land free of cost and share 50% of the project expenses.
Belagavi MP Jagadish Shettar has criticised the prolonged delay, alleging that a crucial public project is being stalled due to the government’s inaction on compensation payments. He cautioned that continued delays could push the overall cost higher.
“I have written to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, urging immediate intervention, as the project has already been dragging on for seven years,” he said.
