02 Sep 2026
The Karnataka government has released ₹70 crore towards land-acquisition compensation for the long-pending Belagavi–Dharwad railway line via Kittur, with the district administration beginning phased payments to eligible landowners.
The proposed railway line is approximately 73 km long and is being developed under a 50:50 cost-sharing arrangement between the Centre and Karnataka. The state is responsible for acquiring the required land and bearing its share of the project cost.
According to Belagavi Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan, the released amount is being prioritised for compensation payments, after which acquired land can be transferred to the Railways. The project has faced delays linked to land acquisition, compensation and objections to portions of the alignment.
Farmers in several villages, including Idalhond, Nagenahalli, K.K. Koppa, Guralgunji, Nandihalli and Halgimardi, had earlier raised objections to the proposed alignment and sought changes. The administration subsequently held discussions with affected landowners while continuing the acquisition process.
The direct Belagavi–Dharwad connection through Kittur is expected to reduce dependence on the existing longer route through Londa and improve passenger and freight connectivity across North Karnataka. However, construction has not yet begun as a result of this release alone; remaining land-acquisition and transfer formalities still have to be completed.