Daijiworld Media Network- Hubballi
Hubballi, Jul 30: In a long-awaited decision, the Central Government has granted approval for the ambitious Hubballi-Ankola railway line project, marking the end of a 30-year struggle and fulfilling a key demand of the coastal and northern Karnataka regions.
Estimated at a whopping Rs 17,000 crore, this crucial railway corridor will connect Hubballi to the coastal town of Ankola, enhancing trade, transport, and tourism across Karnataka. The project has now been revised with a focus on environmental protection, addressing one of the most persistent concerns raised by conservationists over the years.
Initially launched by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1999, the project faced repeated delays due to stiff opposition from environmental groups, as the railway line was proposed to pass through the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats. While construction had begun on a 34-km stretch between Hubballi and Kalaghatagi, work was soon halted due to legal and environmental hurdles.
Following a prolonged legal battle, the project recently received a nod from the Supreme Court. Back in 1999, the estimated cost stood at Rs 494 crore. Over time, that estimate has ballooned to Rs 17,147 crore, according to the revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) submitted recently by South Western Railways.
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw formally approved the project, bringing much-needed clarity and joy to the people of Karnataka. As per the revised plan, the double-track railway line will be constructed alongside the existing Hospete-Ankola National Highway to minimize forest encroachment. Earlier estimates required 595 hectares of forest land, but this has now been reduced by 10 hectares in the new proposal.
The 164.4 km-long line will include 97 km passing through forest areas. Of this, 46.57 km will involve the construction of 57 tunnels, especially between Yellapur and Sunksal, where the Western Ghats terrain poses significant engineering challenges. Additionally, the DPR suggests the construction of 13.89 km of elevated corridors in low-lying and waterlogged areas.
The route includes 75 km of open plains between Hubballi and Yellapur, followed by hilly terrain from Sunksal to Ankola. A total of 995 hectares of land will be required for the project, including 585 hectares of forest, 184 hectares of irrigated land, 185 hectares of dry land, and 1.4 hectares of urban land.
Though it's still unclear whether the project will be implemented jointly by the Karnataka government and Indian Railways in a 50:50 cost-sharing model or fully executed by the railway ministry, stakeholders have welcomed the green signal across party lines.
Once operational, the railway line is expected to facilitate the transport of coal, iron ore, food grains, and other goods. It will also boost exports from coastal ports and promote tourism in the region.
For the people of coastal Karnataka and the hinterlands, this long-awaited approval is a moment of pride and joy, marking the beginning of a new era in regional connectivity and development.