The long-awaited Hubballi-Ankola railway line is edging closer to reality, with the survey slated for completion by December. The South Western Railway (SWR) has taken a significant step by reaching out to the Konkan Railway Corporation for approval of the Ankola railway station design, marking a crucial milestone in the project.
South Western Railway Deputy Chief Engineer Vinayak Padalkar has formally communicated with the Konkan Railway Corporation, submitting a detailed layout map of the proposed Ankola station. Although the Hubballi-Ankola rail line falls under SWR’s jurisdiction, the Ankola station will be managed by Konkan Railway, necessitating their approval for the station’s design.
The Hubballi-Ankola railway line has faced numerous delays over the past two decades, primarily due to legal hurdles and environmental concerns. A court stay order from the Green Tribunal has repeatedly stalled progress. Despite pending approval from the Green Bench, SWR is moving forward with preliminary preparations, anticipating a favorable outcome.
The re-survey of the Hubballi-Ankola route, which addresses environmental concerns around the Kali Tiger Reserve, is nearing completion. The initial survey report was rejected by the Wildlife Board, prompting this re-survey to minimize forest damage. The revised survey report is expected to be submitted to the National Wildlife Board by August.
Sources indicate that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) will likely be presented to the Central Government by December, contingent on Wildlife Board approval. The campaign for the Hubballi-Ankola railway line has been ongoing for 20-30 years, driven by the need for a railway connection between the capital and the commercial hub of Hubli. With preliminary preparations now underway, construction could commence swiftly once the Green Tribunal gives its nod.
