Karnataka   

Demand for rail link between Tumkur, Chitradurga picks up

Citizens’ need: The rail link from Chitradurga station (above) to Tumkur will benefit many.

Chitradurga: The long-pending demand of a railway link between Chitradurga and Tumkur is gaining momentum, following the proposed visit of Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad here on February 11.

Several organisations, representatives and people have been demanding the introduction of a railway line between the two districts.

In the absence of a direct rail link between Chitradurga and Tumkur connecting Bangalore, the present passenger train passes through Holalkere, covering Birur, Kudur, Arasikere, Tiptur and Tumkur to reach Bangalore. “The distance between Chitradurga and Bangalore is about 190 km, but due to the missing link between Chitradurga and Tumkur, the train has to cover an additional 200 km. The rail link would reduce the journey to a substantial level,” said a member and activist of Railway Horata Samiti, S. Shanmukhappa.

He said that since the railway link already exists between Chitradurga and Challakere, the only connection that is needed is between Challakere and Tumkur, which is about 120 km.

This connection would help the people in several ways. A journey which takes 10 hours, could be brought down by nearly three hours.

The business community would also benefit with the quicker transportation of perishable items like onion and other vegetables. “The silk growers of Molakalmur taluk would benefit more as they transport cocoons and other produce through transport vehicles to Bangalore,” Mr. Shanmukhappa said.

According to a rough estimate, over 60 trucks transport goods to Bangalore every day. The transport charges could also be reduced if goods are sent via rail. The link would also help the people of Bellary who could save about 80 km on the route.

The traffic congestion on the highway could also be reduced if the passengers travel by train, he said. “If the Government takes up the project, it will be economically viable, and is in the interest of the people,” he said.

Meanwhile, several organisations and MP N.Y. Hanumantappa have decided to submit a memorandum to Mr. Yadav on his arrival.

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