JOIN USSuperfast train between Hubballi and Bengaluru soon: Pralhad Joshi
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said Railway Minister Piyush Goyal has in-principle approved for a superfast train between Hubballi and Bengaluru, once the Covid-19 pandemic subsides.
Speaking to media persons here on Saturday, Joshi said South Western Railway officials have been asked to send a proposal in this regard to the railway ministry and central railway board.
“Goyal and board members have agreed to run the superfast express between Hubballi and Bengaluru as soon as the Covid-19 situation comes under control in state. Within the next six months, this superfast train is expected to ply between the two cities. Currently, the trains take eight hours to cover the distance (of near 410 km). However, the superfast express will cover this distance in 6 hours,” he said.
“Doubling and railway line electrification between Hubballi and Bengaluru is taking place in full swing and expected to be completed in six months,” he said and added that efforts are being made to fulfil late Suresh Angadi’s (former minister of state for railways) dream of direct train between Belagavi and Dharwad via Kittur. With this, the travel time between Belagavi and Bengaluru (which is currently, 10 hours), is expected to come down to six-and-half hours.
Joshi also instructed the SWR officials to send a proposal to start a demo train between Hubballi and Davangere.
Political compulsion
The Union Minister said BJP central committee took the decision of fielding Mangala Angadi, wife of late Suresh Angadi, due to political compulsions and demand from the local leaders. “Political compulsion after the death of Anant Kumar was completely different from Belagavi issue, which is why Tejaswini Anant Kumar could not get a ticket. Based on the winnability factor the party has selected Mangala. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s charisma and late Suresh Angadi’s work for Belagavi will help BJP win the seat,” he said