₹2,110 crore for redeveloping 61 railway stations in Karnataka

South Western Railway (SWR) has been allocated ₹2,110 crore under ‘Amrit Station Scheme’ for redevelopment of 61 railway stations in Karnataka. The budgetary allocation for the railway zone for the financial year 2026-27 has been increased to ₹7,748 crore.

Addressing press persons in Hubballi on February 2, Additional General Manager of SWR P. Anath said that of the 61 stations identified for complete redevelopment, work has been completed in Bagalkot, Dharwad, Gadag, Gokak Road, and Munirabad while four stations — Badami, Alnavar, Koppal, and Bantwal — were waiting launch of the work.

Mr. Ananth said that network expansion and electrification had progressed at a rapid pace. “Since 2014, around 1,750 km of new railway tracks have been laid in Karnataka. Electrification has reached 97% of the network, with 3,368 km of rail lines electrified during the same period, supporting energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable operations. Additionally, 707 flyovers and underpasses have been constructed to enhance safety and ensure smoother road–rail connectivity,” he said.

Connectivity within and beyond Karnataka had seen a significant boost with the expansion of premium train services. Karnataka is currently served by 12 pairs of Vande Bharat Express trains and 3 pairs of Amrit Bharat Express trains, substantially improving travel speed, comfort, and efficiency, he said.

“Goa is also witnessing steady railway infrastructure growth under South Western Railway, supported by an average annual budget allocation of ₹515 crore in 2026–27. Infrastructure work worth ₹4,344 crore are currently under progress, focusing on capacity augmentation, station redevelopment, and safety improvement. Under the Amrit Station Scheme, three stations in Goa are being redeveloped at a cost of ₹65 crore. Passenger connectivity has been enhanced with two pairs of Vande Bharat Express services now operational,” he said.