Belagavi: The long-awaited Vande Bharat train service between Pune, Belagavi, and Hubballi is set to commence soon, according to Member of Parliament (MP) Jagadish Shettar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate the train on September 15, marking a significant milestone for the region’s connectivity.
Shettar’s Role in Realising the Vande Bharat Project
Speaking to reporters on September 1, Shettar highlighted the persistent efforts that led to the realisation of the project. “I held discussions with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State for Railways V Somanna a couple of months ago, pushing for the commencement of the Vande Bharat train on this route,” Shettar stated.
The MP further elaborated that he had also advocated for the extension of the Bengaluru-Dharwad Vande Bharat service up to Belagavi. He expressed optimism, saying, “Now that the Pune-Hubballi route has been finalised, we hope the decision to extend the Bengaluru-Dharwad Vande Bharat to Belagavi will soon follow.”
Overcoming Technical Challenges
Shettar acknowledged that the project had faced several technical challenges, including concerns over forest areas, speed limits, and track curves. However, he assured that these obstacles had been overcome. “We are also laying a direct railway line between Belagavi and Dharwad to enhance connectivity. Until then, the train will run on the existing route, and all technical hurdles have been resolved,” he said.
The MP revealed that land acquisition for the Belagavi-Dharwad direct railway line would be completed in the coming months, with construction work on the stretch set to begin soon.
Criticism of the Congress Government
In addition to discussing the railway project, Shettar also commented on the political turmoil within the Karnataka Congress. Referring to the allegations of corruption surrounding Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, particularly in connection with the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam, Shettar stated, “The tussle for the chief minister’s post within Congress began as soon as Siddaramaiah assumed office. Initially, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar was an aspirant, but now several other leaders have also come forward.”
He predicted that the internal strife within the Congress would escalate, resulting in an unstable government. “The Congress administration is corrupt, with rampant irregularities in departments such as the Karnataka Maharishi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation and MUDA,” Shettar alleged. He also speculated that the government could collapse due to its internal conflicts and lack of control over corruption.
Financial Troubles of Belagavi City Corporation
Shettar further criticised the mismanagement of Belagavi City Corporation, highlighting financial issues related to roadworks between SPM Road and old PB Road. “The corporation is facing a financial crisis due to the poor decisions of its officials and now owes Rs 20 crore to avoid contempt of court proceedings in the Karnataka High Court,” Shettar pointed out.
He urged Urban Development Minister Byrati Suresh to engage with local representatives to resolve the issue. “The government must step in to compensate for the losses incurred by the civic body due to these administrative failures,” Shettar insisted.