The Karnataka government has pledged regular funding to expedite land acquisition for the Shikaripura–Ranebennur rail project, a move expected to accelerate construction and relieve traffic pressures in Shivamogga district. Member of Parliament B.Y. Raghavendra announced that the state will release ₹45 crore each week for land acquisition, and officials indicated the process should be complete by March.
Shikaripura-Ranebennur rail project
Speaking at a coordination meeting with newly appointed district officials at the Deputy Collector’s office in Shivamogga on Saturday, Mr Raghavendra said that once the state funds arrive work on the rail alignment from Shivamogga to Shikaripura and onwards to Ranebennur will continue without delay. The MP chaired the meeting and urged district authorities to prepare for immediate mobilisation so construction can progress in the coming months.
Local officials highlighted several complementary road and safety measures. With vehicle congestion rising in the city, Raghavendra called for the construction of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure such as skywalks or underpasses at major traffic circles to improve safe movement for residents.
Authorities have identified multiple hotspots where pedestrian crossings are hazardous. These include the Shivamogga–Tirthahalli bypass, government and private bus stations, and the Prof. T. Krishnappa circle. Recent increases in road accidents prompted a directive that officers prioritize these areas for remedial measures.
The Shivappa Nayaka and Ameer Ahmad circle underpasses have been closed during the monsoon after water ingress. Raghavendra instructed engineers to inspect these structures and to reopen them for public use outside the rainy season. Plans are also in place to construct a new underpass on the route linking Shantamma Layout to Chitradurga Road and another at Gundappa Shed Road. Tree felling remains outstanding for some sites and will be addressed before works begin.
Forest and railway department teams are due to carry out a joint survey and submit a report, after which underpass construction will commence. The Tarikere bypass project has stalled at half completion because tree felling permission is pending. Officials were urged to resolve clearance issues promptly so construction can restart.
On regional highway funding, the meeting heard that the central government previously released ₹3,500 crore for national highway projects in the district. The latest tranche totals ₹1,500 crore, with ₹400 crore earmarked specifically for the Agumbe route. State authorities said they will await reports from the environment department and other stakeholders before deciding whether to build a tunnel or widen the existing road along the Agumbe alignment.
The meeting was attended by District Commissioner Prabhuling Kavalkatti, Chief Conservator of Forests Hanumantappa, District Defence Officer B. Nikhil, DCF Ajjaya, Additional Deputy Commissioner V. Abhishek, Special Land Acquisition Officer Siddalinga Reddy, and Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike official Mayanna Gowda, among other departmental officers.
With clear funding commitments and a timetable for land acquisition, local officials say the region can expect accelerated progress on both rail and road projects, provided environmental clearances and forest department approvals are secured in a timely manner.
Key Takeaways:
- State to release ₹45 crore weekly for land acquisition to fast‑track the Shikaripura-Ranebennur rail project.
- Officials expect land acquisition to be completed by March and construction to resume promptly.
- City underpass and bypass works planned to ease traffic; forest clearances and joint surveys with railway to precede construction.
- Central and state highway funding revised; tunnel or widening decisions to follow environmental and technical reports.
