South Western Railway (SWR) has been granted a budget of Rs. 6493.87 crore for the year 2024-25. This allocation reflects a consistent increase in the annual budget for railways in Karnataka.
The budget focuses on developing infrastructure, modernising stations, enhancing connectivity, and improving passenger safety and comfort.
Significant Investments in New Projects
A large amount of Rs. 1448.89 crore has been allocated for new railway lines, while Rs. 1241 crore is designated for doubling projects. To enhance passenger services, Rs. 961.22 crore has been set aside for improving passenger amenities, ensuring the best possible service for travelers.
Allocation for New Line Projects
| SL No | Name of the Project | Cost in Rs. Crores |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gadag (Talkal) – Wadi | 200 |
| 2 | Tumakuru – Davangere (Via Chitradurga) | 150 |
| 3 | Tumakuru – Rayadurga (Via Kalyandurga) | 250 |
| 4 | Bagalkot – Kudachi | 150 |
| 5 | Shivamogga – Shikaripura – Ranebennur | 150 |
| 6 | Belagavi – Dharwad (Via Kittur) | 20 |
| 7 | Marikuppam – Kuppam | 60 |
| 8 | Kadur – Chikkamagaluru – Hassan | 70 |
| 9 | Malagur – Palasamudram | 21 |
| 10 | Hassan-Bengaluru (Via Shravanabelgola) | 20 |
| 11 | Hubballi-Ankola | 20 |
| 12 | Munirabad-Mahabubnagar | 100 |
| 13 | Gadag-Yalvigi | 150 |
Allocation for Doubling Line Projects
| SL No | Name of the Project | Cost in Rs. Crores |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gadag – Hotgi | 170 |
| 2 | Penukonda – Dharmavaram | 100 |
| 3 | Baiyappanahalli – Hosur | 200 |
| 4 | Yesvantpur – Channasandra | 100 |
| 5 | Hubballi – Chikjajur | 25 |
| 6 | Bengaluru Cantt – Whitefield Quadrupling | 200 |
| 7 | Hosapete – Tinaighat – Vasco da Gama | 400 |
| 8 | Yelahanka-Penukonda | 20 |
| 9 | Arsikere-Tumakuru | 20 |
Redevelopment of Major Stations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisions providing world-class amenities to all railway passengers. Major stations are undergoing redevelopment. Work has already begun at Bengaluru Cantonment and Yesvantpur stations.
Additionally, under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 51 stations within the SWR network are slated for redevelopment. This includes the recently approved Gubbi and Shravanabelagola stations in the Bengaluru Division.
Emphasis on Safety and Traffic Facilities
Safety continues to be a top priority, with Rs. 349.40 crore allocated for Road Over Bridge and Road Under Bridge projects. These projects will be fully funded by the Railway to make sure uninterrupted progress.
Furthermore, Rs. 145.84 crore has been earmarked for traffic facility improvements. These improvements aim to enhance logistics efficiency. They reduce congestion and improve the overall safety and speed of passenger train operations.
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