Local business associations have formally requested South Western Railway (SWR) to bolster rail connectivity linking Belagavi with Goa and Mumbai to support growing regional trade, tourism, and commuter traffic.
The Traders Council, Belagavi, and the Belgaum Cloth Silk and Textile Merchants Association submitted a detailed memorandum to SWR General Manager P. Ananth through the Divisional Railway Manager, Hubballi. Copies of the representation were also forwarded to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar.
Key Demands for Goa Route
To facilitate same-day travel for merchants, government officials, and tourists, the trade bodies urged SWR to introduce a daily morning service—such as an Intercity, DEMU, MEMU, or passenger train—between Belagavi and Vasco-da-Gama. Additionally, they called for:
- Daily Frequency: Converting the existing weekly Belagavi–Goa Express into a daily service.
- Faster Transit: Reducing travel time by streamlining operations and maximizing the benefits of recent route electrification.
- Upgraded Infrastructure: Improving passenger amenities at stations, including enhanced waiting halls, better cleanliness, digital real-time information systems, and upgraded catering facilities.
The associations emphasized that strengthening Karnataka–Goa rail ties would spur economic activity, expand commerce, and ease commutes for students, healthcare seekers, and professionals across both states.
Enhancements Sought for Hubballi–LTT Express
Highlighting acute demand on the Hubballi–Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) Express connecting North Karnataka to Mumbai, trade leaders noted that commuters face persistent difficulty securing confirmed reservations.
To alleviate overcrowding, the memorandum requested:
- Coach Expansion: Adding four Sleeper-class coaches and one AC 3-Tier coach to the train configuration.
- Schedule Revision: Adjusting timings so the Mumbai-bound train reaches Belagavi around 8:00 PM, providing a far more convenient schedule for passengers traveling from Hubballi, Dharwad, Gadag, and surrounding regions.
