It may be mentioned here that the Union Government has sanctioned for survey work to extend Shimoga-Talaguppa railway line upto Honnavar and thereby connect Malnad with Konkan Railway in the last budget.

Speaking after waving off the green flag for Shimoga-Anandapuram train in the City on Saturday, he said Union Minister of State for Environment and Forest Jairam Ramesh also has been approached over the issue.

20-km-long tunnel

As the proposed route will pass through thick forest, including Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary, he informed that of the 82-km stretch, tunnels as long as 20 km will be constructed to minimise the loss of forest.

Muniyappa said that much ‘circus’ has been done to convince Jairam Ramesh on the need to implement the project. He informed that the project to connect Shimoga-Talaguppa with Konkan Railway will cost Rs 2,000 crore.

The survey report on Shimoga-Harihar train route has been submitted to the Railway Board.

The viability and feasibility factors will be carefully examined.

The gauge conversion work along Shimoga-Talaguppa line will be completed by October.
Train service along the route will ensure easy access to Jog Falls, he stated. Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa who inaugurated Shimoga-Anandapuram railway lane informed that the State Government will provide Rs 2,500 crore in five years for extending the railway network.

Rs 300 crore for rly work

The State Government has provided Rs 300 crore towards railway work in the year 2009-10 while Rs 600 crore has been earmarked for 2010-11. On connecting Talaguppa with Konkan Railway, he said that the State Government will bear 50 per cent of the expense of the project.