Union Minister V. Somanna Launches Major Railway Infrastructure Projects in Ajjampura, Birur and Channarayapatna
Bengaluru, May 31: Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti V. Somanna on Sunday laid the foundation stone for key railway infrastructure projects in Chikkamagaluru district and flagged off the Hassan–Solapur Express with an additional stoppage at Channarayapatna Railway Station, marking a significant boost to rail connectivity and passenger safety in Karnataka.
The minister inaugurated the construction of a Road Over Bridge (ROB) in lieu of Level Crossing No. 138 at Ajjampura and also laid the foundation stone for a pedestrian subway between Ajjampura and Birur railway stations. Later, he flagged off Train No. 11312 Hassan–Solapur Express after introducing an additional halt at Channarayapatna Railway Station.
The Road Over Bridge at Ajjampura is being constructed at an estimated cost of ₹50.48 crore and is aimed at improving road connectivity while eliminating safety risks associated with the existing level crossing. The pedestrian subway between Ajjampura and Birur stations is being developed at a cost of ₹5.10 crore and is expected to provide a safe crossing facility for pedestrians while preventing trespassing on railway tracks.
Speaking at the event, Ajjampura MLA G.H. Srinivasa thanked Railway Minister V. Somanna for approving a stoppage for the Hosapete–Bengaluru train at Shivani station. He also requested additional passenger amenities at Ajjampura Railway Station to cater to growing passenger requirements.
MLC S.L. Bhojegowda welcomed the railway projects and said the Road Over Bridge would greatly benefit residents by improving both safety and connectivity in the region.
Udupi–Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary said efforts would be made to secure additional train stoppages at Ajjampura and Shivani stations based on public demand. He highlighted several railway development initiatives undertaken in the constituency under the guidance of V. Somanna and recalled the launch of the Chikkamagaluru–Tirupati train service last year.
At the pedestrian subway foundation ceremony, Kadur MLA K.S. Anand urged the Railway Ministry to upgrade Kadur Railway Station with additional passenger amenities. He noted that a large number of pilgrims and passengers from North Karnataka use Kadur as a transit point while travelling to Dharmasthala and sought additional train stoppages to meet rising demand.
Addressing the gathering, V. Somanna assured that Ajjampura Railway Station would soon receive enhanced passenger facilities. He stated that 17 pairs of train services had been regularised during the current year and highlighted that passenger fares had been reduced by nearly 30 percent in several categories, benefiting travellers across the country.
The Union Minister further announced that Vande Bharat Sleeper services would be introduced shortly, providing improved long-distance travel options for passengers. He also revealed that 61 railway stations across Karnataka are currently being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme at an estimated investment of ₹2,000 crore.
Later in the day, Somanna flagged off Train No. 11312 Hassan–Solapur Express with its newly sanctioned stoppage at Channarayapatna Railway Station. The additional halt has been introduced following a long-standing demand from residents and railway users in Channarayapatna and surrounding regions.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, the minister said the Government of India remains committed to strengthening railway infrastructure, enhancing passenger safety and improving regional connectivity. He pointed out that more than 13,800 unmanned level crossings have been eliminated across the country over the past decade, significantly reducing accident risks.
Somanna also highlighted the ongoing redevelopment of Hassan, Arsikere and Sakleshpur railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. He expressed confidence that the Hassan–Solapur Express would greatly improve travel convenience and economic connectivity for passengers across Karnataka and neighbouring states.
The Road Over Bridge foundation ceremony at Ajjampura was attended by Udupi–Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary, MLA G.H. Srinivasa, MLC S.L. Bhojegowda, former Tarikere MLA D.S. Suresh, Mysuru Divisional Railway Manager Mudit Mittal and several senior railway officials.
The pedestrian subway foundation ceremony was attended by Kadur MLA K.S. Anand, Belur MLA H.K. Suresh, former Kadur MLA Belli Prakash, DRM Mudit Mittal and other railway officials.
The Hassan–Solapur Express flag-off programme at Channarayapatna was attended by Hassan MP Shreyas Patel, Shravanabelagola MLA C.N. Balakrishna, Belur MLA H.K. Suresh, senior railway officers and other dignitaries.
Railway officials said the projects form part of a broader effort to modernise railway infrastructure, improve safety standards and enhance passenger convenience across Karnataka under the ongoing railway expansion and redevelopment initiatives.
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