Land acquisition for the Hassan–Belur–Chikmagalur railway alignment has been completed and elected representatives are now pressing the government to release immediate compensation to those who surrendered land for the project, said HD Revanna at a press briefing in Hassan.
Hassan-Belur railway land acquisition
Speaking at the Hassan Milk Producers Cooperative office, Revanna urged prompt disbursement of funds to landowners to ensure cooperative completion of works. He said a formal letter will be sent to the state government to expedite payments and to facilitate smooth progress of the railway and associated road schemes.
The state has already approved multiple funding allocations for connectivity improvements in the district. Authorities have released ₹2.5 crore for the Hassan–Belur–Bilikere highway works, while an additional ₹6 crore has been sanctioned to construct a platform at Holenarasipur railway station. In total, Revanna said, about ₹22 crore has been approved for a range of local projects.
Major central investment has also been secured. The construction of a rail overbridge at Holenarasipur has been cleared with an allocation of ₹460 crore. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has approved ₹750 crore for a new ring road connecting Hassan airport with Belur and Halebeedu. Revanna noted the detailed project report for that road has been finalised.
Work on the Channarayapatna–Holenarasipur rail link has also received the necessary permissions. Officials and local leaders, under the leadership of HD Kumaraswamy, have petitioned the relevant ministers to extend Vande Bharat services to run from Hassan. Revanna expressed confidence that train services on the new route will begin soon and that a new service linking Hassan to Chennai has been requested.
Revanna flagged the importance of timely compensation and collaboration from affected landowners to avoid delays. “The government must immediately release relief to those who lost land and ensure workers and contractors can complete remaining tasks,” he said.
Beyond transport, Revanna highlighted progress on agricultural and industrial infrastructure. The mega dairy project, led by the Hassan Milk Producers Cooperative of which Revanna is president, is reported to be 90 percent complete. The facility includes sanitation improvements and an outdoor mini-amusement area; remaining works are moving forward and a practical trial run is planned after the Sankranti festival.
Revanna said the mega dairy will be inaugurated after Ugadi, with invitations extended to the Prime Minister and the state Chief Minister. He added that a major political rally will be held in Hassan on January 24 under the guidance of HD Kumaraswamy and HD Deve Gowda, during which party leaders will clarify alliances ahead of district and taluk panchayat elections.
Local officials will monitor the flow of funds and the implementation schedule closely. Residents and stakeholders in Hassan welcome the projects as a boost to regional connectivity, economic activity and dairy sector capacity. Timely compensation and continued coordination between state and central authorities will determine the speed at which the benefits are realised.
Key Takeaways:
- Hassan-Belur railway land acquisition completed; legislators urge immediate compensation to affected landowners.
- Central and state funds totalling several hundred crores approved for roads, a rail overbridge, platform upgrades and airport access.
- Officials have cleared DPRs and sought new train services, including requests to run Vande Bharat trains from Hassan.
- Local development projects, including a near-complete mega dairy, are slated for inauguration after Ugadi.
