Apolitical Progress: Union Minister Somanna Emphasizes Development Over Politics

Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, V Somanna, firmly asserted that national development must remain apolitical, stressing that programs are meticulously designed with a visionary outlook to benefit future generations. Speaking during various engagements, including the laying of the foundation stone for a pedestrian subway in Birur, Chikkamagaluru district, Somanna underscored the imperative of collaborative efforts over political considerations to ensure robust infrastructure growth and public welfare across the nation.

The Minister's recent focus has been particularly prominent on enhancing railway infrastructure within Karnataka, with specific attention directed towards the Birur region. He highlighted crucial projects underway in Birur, including the construction of a pedestrian subway on Market Road, valued at an estimated ₹5.14 crore. This subway aims to provide a safe crossing facility for pedestrians, mitigating risks associated with trespassing on railway tracks and enhancing overall public safety.

Beyond the subway, significant upgrades are planned for the Birur Railway Station. An allocation of ₹8 crore has been earmarked specifically for the development of platforms at the station. Furthermore, the tender process for maintaining cleanliness at Birur Railway Station has been initiated, reflecting a holistic approach to improving passenger experience. Somanna has instructed officials and contractors to work in close coordination to ensure these projects are completed efficiently, setting a target for completion by December.

Birur and Kadur stations are also slated for comprehensive upgrades under the ambitious Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, with each station receiving an allocation of ₹20 crore. The completion of these significant enhancements is targeted for 2027–28, promising modern amenities and improved passenger facilities. These local initiatives are part of a broader commitment to railway development across Karnataka.

Addressing the larger landscape of railway infrastructure in Karnataka, Somanna provided an encouraging update on the state's electrification efforts, announcing that 97 percent of railway lines have been electrified, with a goal to achieve 100 percent electrification by the end of the current year. This push for electrification is complemented by the introduction of 'Kavach,' an advanced indigenous safety technology designed to prevent train collisions. This crucial system, which enables trains to automatically stop even when in close proximity, is being installed across 1,700 kilometers of railway tracks at an estimated cost of ₹3,500 crore, significantly bolstering passenger safety.

Overall, projects worth ₹7,844 crore are currently in progress across Karnataka this year, demonstrating a substantial investment in the state's railway network. The Indian Railways is also expanding its rolling stock, with plans to add 10,000 new coaches to regular trains. Additionally, ₹200 crore has been released for establishing a rail coach factory in Yadgiri, and 61 railway stations across the state are undergoing upgrades at a total cost of ₹1,900 crore to provide modern infrastructure and amenities.

A key aspect of railway development emphasized by the Minister is the construction of Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and Road Under Bridges (RUBs) to eliminate hazardous level crossings. Somanna noted that several railway overbridges and underpasses are under construction, with 644 overbridges already completed and 1,662 km of new railway lines under development. He also reviewed progress on projects within a 100-km radius of Bengaluru, where ROBs and RUBs have been sanctioned for 46 out of nearly 100 level crossings.

Specific examples include the dedication of a newly constructed RUB at D. Rampura village near Gubbi, Tumkur District, built at an approximate cost of ₹6.37 crore. Foundation stones were also laid for two more RUBs at Billepalya and Bandihalli Road Gate in the same district, costing an estimated ₹6 crore and ₹7.88 crore respectively. These projects aim to ensure smooth traffic flow, reduce travel time, and enhance road safety by eliminating long waits at level crossings.

MLA K.S. Anand also urged the Minister to consider the complete reconstruction of Kadur railway station. Responding to concerns about the ₹68 crore railway overbridge in the Kote area of Kadur, Somanna instructed Kadur Tahsildar C.S. Poornima to address land acquisition and compensation issues with the assistant commissioner. He also called for a report on the Kadur road over bridge within two days, assuring that funds would be released.

Somanna consistently advocates for stronger cooperation between the Union and State governments on developmental issues. He has previously highlighted that many central projects face delays due to the non-cooperation of state governments, particularly concerning crucial aspects like land acquisition. While acknowledging the significant development in the railway sector over the past decade, he emphasized that states must collaborate for their respective regions to fully benefit from these initiatives. He has criticized the state government for perceived apathy towards public welfare and for focusing on political maneuvering rather than addressing developmental challenges, including stalled railway projects like the Hejjala-Chamarajanagar and Mysuru-Kushalnagar lines due to land acquisition issues. The Minister's stance underscores a steadfast commitment to a development-first approach, transcending political divides for the long-term benefit of the nation.