Railway launches Rs.2,841 cr projects

Injecting a booster to the rail infra in north Karnataka, Railway minister, has recently launched a flurry of infra projects of various hues entailing an investment of Rs.2,841 crore. The projects including commencement of new line work between Gadag and Wadi (257 km) and doubling of Gadag-Kudgi-Hotgi line (284 km) falling under Hubballi-headquartered South Western Railway (SWR), is not only expected to enhance rail connectivity in north Karnataka, but also likely to boost the economy of the region. Gadag-Wadi new line, which has been pending for decades, will reduce rail-road distance between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The launching carried out via video conferencing from Goa. The 257 km-long Gadag-Wadi line passing through Koppal, Raichur, Yadgir, and Kalaburagi districts and covering Yelburga, Kushtagi, Mudgal, Lingasugur, Shorapur, and Shahpur is a prestigious project for the Railways. The SWR said that the line will help boost economy in the region and also play a key role in transportation of raw material and finished goods, besides serving travel needs of the masses. The SWR has awarded contract for earthwork and minor bridges for 57 km between Talkal-Kushtagi at a cost of Rs.85 crore.