Member of Parliament (MP) Jagadish Shettar conducted an on-site inspection at the Belagavi Railway Station to assess the progress of redevelopment projects underway through the Pradhan Mantri Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
The ongoing upgrade work, sanctioned at an estimated budget of ₹19 crore, includes the construction of a foot overbridge (FOB) and the installation of escalators and passenger lifts. Expressing strong displeasure over prolonged delays and frequent passenger grievances, the MP questioned railway officials and issued firm completion deadlines.
Key Highlights and Directives
- Foot Overbridge (FOB): Initiated in January 2025, construction has remained incomplete after over 18 months. Shettar instructed authorities to complete the entire bridge structure by October 31, 2026.
- Lifts and Escalators: Pointing out the slow pace of work, officials were directed to expedite execution and commission all passenger lifts and escalators by September 30, 2026.
- Onboard Cleanliness: Addressing repeated hygiene complaints from travelers—particularly on the Rani Chennamma Express—the MP warned station officials that they would be held directly responsible for any future sanitation lapses.
- Desur Station Development: A joint inspection with senior South Western Railway officials is scheduled to evaluate upgrading the nearby Desur Railway Station into a full satellite terminal to ease pressure on Belagavi.
Railway engineers Lalan Kumar and Senthil, former MLA Anil Benake, Belagavi City Corporation member Jayatheertha Savadatti, Belagavi Core Development Group Members Jaysingh Rajput, Satish, Shridhar Hulikavi and other local representatives accompanied the MP during the inspection.
