Bagalkote: The president of the Railway Agitation Committee, Kutbuddin Khati, has reiterated the committee’s firm resolve to continue advocating for the construction of the Lokapur-Dharwad railway route. Speaking at a recent meeting held at Charantimath, Khati outlined the committee’s commitment to pursuing the project and compared it to the earlier successful struggle for the Bagalkote-Kudachi railway line. He pointed out that the proposed railway route would bring immense benefits to multiple districts in North Karnataka, improving connectivity and enhancing the region’s overall infrastructure.
Khati, a vocal leader in the region’s transport and infrastructure issues, emphasised the critical importance of the new railway line. According to him, the construction of this route would not only help in streamlining transport between key urban and rural areas but also foster better economic links between districts such as Bagalkote, Lokapur, and Dharwad. The committee believes that, just like the Bagalkote-Kudachi line, this new route has the potential to address regional development gaps and improve access to vital services like healthcare, education, and legal facilities.
The meeting at Charantimath also saw contributions from a variety of regional leaders, legal professionals, and stakeholders who highlighted the many ways in which the railway line would benefit the local population.
Prominent lawyer J.J. Kulkarni pointed out that the new railway line would significantly improve access to the Dharwad High Court bench, a major legal hub in the state. He argued that the construction of the railway would facilitate quicker and easier travel for legal professionals and clients alike, benefiting not just the residents of Dharwad and Lokapur but also others in North Karnataka who rely on the court system.
Kashinath Hudeda, an influential figure among the Ahinad community, added that the railway line would be a boon for devotees of Yallamma, particularly those from the Savadatti region in Maharashtra, as well as parts of North Karnataka. Hudeda highlighted the potential for a surge in pilgrimage tourism along the route, which could boost local economies. The region is home to several temples, and Hudeda’s remarks underscored how the railway line could transform the local tourism sector, encouraging both domestic and international visitors to explore the religious and cultural heritage of the area.
Subhas Shirbhoor, a leader representing the interests of farmers in the region, spoke about the practical advantages the railway route would bring to agricultural communities. Shirbhoor explained that the new line would provide a more efficient means of transporting agricultural produce and other goods to industrial hubs, such as the industries in Mudhol. For farmers in the area, this railway route would reduce transportation costs, increase market access, and ultimately improve the economic viability of their crops.
Moreover, the construction of a direct railway link would reduce the dependency on road transport, which is often affected by weather conditions and traffic congestion. Farmers and traders would benefit from a more reliable, consistent, and cost-effective means of transporting their goods.
Basavaraj Dharmanti, Karve District President, also echoed these sentiments, stating that the railway line would improve connectivity across the districts and ease the flow of goods and services. He noted that this would not only help in developing the local economy but also enhance overall regional connectivity, making it easier for people to travel for business, education, and health purposes.
Despite the overwhelming support for the project, the proposed railway line still faces several challenges. While the committee has expressed its commitment to pushing for the construction of the Lokapur-Dharwad route, it must navigate several hurdles, including securing funding, addressing environmental concerns, and obtaining the necessary land approvals from various stakeholders.
The Railway Agitation Committee has vowed to continue its advocacy for the route, promising to intensify efforts to ensure that the project is realised as quickly as possible. The committee plans to launch a series of awareness campaigns and public outreach programmes to rally more support for the cause, particularly among the farming communities, local businesses, and commuters who stand to benefit most.
In the coming months, the committee will be working closely with state and central government officials to expedite the process of finalising plans for the route. With support from key stakeholders and the public, the Railway Agitation Committee hopes that the Lokapur-Dharwad railway line will become a reality soon, ensuring better infrastructure, improved economic opportunities, and greater access to vital services for North Karnataka.
In conclusion, the push for the Lokapur-Dharwad railway route is gathering momentum, with widespread support from legal professionals, agricultural leaders, tourism advocates, and the general public. The proposed route promises to bring significant improvements to North Karnataka’s infrastructure and economy. With ongoing efforts from the Railway Agitation Committee and the backing of key community leaders, there is hope that this much-needed railway project will soon be realised, benefiting multiple districts and sectors of the population in the region.