Belagavi: The long-pending Belagavi-Dharwad railway line via Kittur has gained momentum after the Karnataka govt released Rs 70 crore towards land acquisition compensation. The district administration has begun transferring the amount to eligible landowners in phases.The proposed 73-km railway line is being developed under a 50:50 cost-sharing arrangement between the Centre and the state. While Karnataka is responsible for acquiring the required land, it is also bearing half the project cost.Farmers whose land is being acquired have been seeking timely and adequate compensation, with farmers’ organisations urging the govt to expedite payments, citing the impact on families losing fertile agricultural land.The project, initially estimated at Rs 927 crore, is expected to become costlier because of rising land acquisition and construction expenses, as well as implementation delays. Large tracts of land are being acquired in Belagavi and Dharwad districts.Land acquisition has faced resistance in some villages. In May, farmers from Idalhond, Nagenahalli, KK Kopp, Guralgunji, Nandihalli and Halgimardi opposed the proposed alignment and demanded an alternative route. The administration later held discussions with affected landowners and continued the acquisition process while addressing their concerns.Deputy commissioner Mohammad Roshan said the railway line would boost the development of Belagavi and the wider north Karnataka region by providing direct rail connectivity between Belagavi and Dharwad via Kittur, reducing reliance on the longer route through Londa.He said the line could support premium train services, including the Vande Bharat Express, while improving passenger and freight movement. The administration is prioritising compensation payments and the transfer of acquired land to the railways so that construction can gather pace once the remaining formalities are completed.
