Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, who oversees Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, as well as New and Renewable Energy, announced an ambitious ₹400 crore redevelopment plan for Hubballi Railway Station. This project by the South Western Railway aims to transform the station with a cutting-edge new design.
During a press conference held at ‘Rail Soudha’ in Hubballi on Friday, following a review meeting with railway officials, Mr. Joshi highlighted the station’s significance. He noted that Hubballi is the second busiest railway station in the zone after Bengaluru, serving approximately 50,000 passengers daily.
He detailed the extensive upgrade: “Hubballi Railway station holds a unique position within the Indian Railways, and this redevelopment plan will give it a complete makeover. Both the main entrance and the second and third entrances will receive a high-tech facelift, enhancing the existing design’s beauty. The project also includes plans to efficiently utilize the current circulating area and available space near the main entrance, while exploring potential commercial opportunities.”
The Minister assured that after its redevelopment, Hubballi Railway Station will boast a modern and distinctive appearance.
Mr. Joshi also spoke about his persistent efforts regarding the 163-km Hubballi-Ankola railway line project. He stated that the project has been revised to comply with Environment Ministry guidelines, and a proposal worth ₹17,000 crore has now been submitted. “We anticipate swift approval for this project,” he added.
Responding to queries, Mr. Joshi confirmed that all previous obstacles to the project had been cleared, and a fresh survey of the railway route had been completed, with the required project report duly submitted. The Hubballi-Ankola railway line has been a long-standing initiative, spanning several decades, and has previously encountered numerous challenges, including extended protests and legal disputes.
According to Mr. Joshi, once approved, this crucial railway line will establish a connection between the coastal region and Bengaluru via Hubballi, thereby stimulating economic development in the coastal areas.
Project Progress Reviewed
Earlier in the day, Mr. Joshi, alongside Mukul Saran Mathur, the General Manager of South Western Railway (SWR), conducted a comprehensive review of various ongoing railway projects within the zone. Attendees included MLA Mahesh Tenginakai, MLC Pradeep Shettar, Hubballi Dharwad Mayor Jyoti Patil, Municipal Commissioner Rudresh Gali, and Divisional Railway Manager of Hubballi Division Bela Meena, among other dignitaries.
Officials updated the Minister on the progress of key initiatives across Karnataka, such as the new lines connecting Hubballi–Ankola, Tumkur–Chitradurga, Dharwad–Belgaum, Bagalkot–Kudachi, and Gadag–Wadi. They also reported on the status of Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and Road Under Bridges (RUBs). The Minister was informed that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Gadag–Yalvigi new line is expected to be submitted to the Railway Board by December 2025.
The meeting also covered the advancement of projects under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) at several stations: Alnavar (₹17.2 crore), Badami (₹15.1 crore), Koppal (₹21.14 crore), and Bantwal (₹26.18 crore).