The long-pending dream of a new railway line connecting Almatti and Kushtagi in Karnataka has taken a significant leap forward. The crucial field survey for the proposed 91-kilometre link has been successfully completed, paving the way for the next phase of the project.
Project Timeline and Political Push
According to official communications, the detailed project report (DPR) for the Almatti-Kushtagi new railway line is now scheduled to be ready by the end of May 2026. This development follows persistent demands from local Members of Parliament. MPs Ramesh Jigajinagi (Vijayapura) and PC Gaddigoudar (Bagalkot) had written to Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, who subsequently raised the issue with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
In a written response this week, Minister Vaishnaw confirmed the survey's completion and the DPR timeline. Sources indicate that, following the DPR's approval and necessary tender processes, physical work on the ground could commence by the end of 2026.
Route and Expected Benefits
The proposed 91-km line is strategically planned to originate at Almatti on the existing Gadag-Hotgi line and terminate at Kushtagi on the Gadag-Wadi route. The alignment is expected to pass through key towns like Kudalsangama, Hungund, and Ilkal.
Local activists and committees have hailed the project as a game-changer for regional connectivity. Veeresh Bangarshettar, President of the Kushtagi Railway Horata Samiti, emphasized that the line will drastically cut down road travel distance between districts like Koppal and Vijayapura or Bagalkot. He also highlighted the potential tourism boost if a stop is provided at the religious site of Kudalsangama, easing access to Badami and other destinations.
"Currently, people from Kushtagi and nearby areas travel to Bengaluru via Gadag or Hospet. We are demanding a direct train from Kushtagi to Bengaluru," Bangarshettar stated, urging for swift implementation and more direct train services to cities beyond the sole existing direct link to Hubballi.
Broader Vision and Economic Impact
The project has sparked discussions about even larger connectivity plans. KM Maheshwara Swamy of the Karnataka State Railway Action Committee pointed out that a separate proposal for an Almatti-Chitradurga line via Munirabad is pending. He urged the railway board to clarify if the Almatti-Kushtagi line is a standalone project or part of that larger vision.
Experts argue that extending the line to Munirabad would maximize its benefits, creating a direct rail corridor for the people of Ballari, Koppal, Vijayapura, and Bagalkot to reach Bengaluru and Mysuru without detours. This enhanced network is anticipated to:
- Boost trade, industry, and tourism across central and northern Karnataka.
- Provide farmers and traders a direct link to metropolitan markets like Bengaluru for produce such as paddy, onion, cotton, and granite.
- Reduce overall travel time and distance to major urban centers.
The completion of the survey marks a concrete step after years of advocacy, bringing the promise of improved rail infrastructure and economic development for the region closer to reality.
