Bengaluru, July 1: Karnataka’s Minister for Large and Medium Industries and in charge of Vijayapura district, M.B. Patil, has urged the Central Ministry of Railways to establish a railway coach depot in Vijayapura and develop additional entry and exit gates at the railway station. He believes these initiatives will strengthen railway infrastructure in North Karnataka.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Patil mentioned that he has discussed this proposal with Railway Minister of State V. Somanna. He has also written to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, requesting prompt approval for these projects.
Patil emphasized that the establishment of a coach depot in Vijayapura would enhance the maintenance infrastructure of the railways, improving rail connectivity for both the district and the entire North Karnataka region.
He stated, “I have written to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Railway Minister of State V. Somanna regarding these proposals. Previously, the goods shed located at the Vijayapura railway station premises was relocated to Aliyabad, which has now made sufficient land available for the establishment of the coach depot.”
He added that the proposed coach depot could be developed as a railway maintenance center, allowing for more effective servicing of trains and accelerating the expansion of rail operations in the area.
M.B. Patil has also requested the Railway Ministry to construct additional entry and exit gates at the Vijayapura railway station for passenger convenience.
He noted that Vijayapura is a historic city and a major tourist hub, attracting millions of visitors throughout the year. During weekends, festivals, and public holidays, the station experiences heavy passenger traffic, necessitating improved access.
In his letter, he wrote, “Given the continuously increasing number of passengers, it is essential to create additional entry and exit gates to facilitate smoother movement and better crowd management.”
The minister reported that he had detailed discussions about both proposals with Railway Minister of State V. Somanna during a railway department event held this week, and he received positive feedback from the central minister.
Patil expressed confidence that the Railway Ministry would consider his requests favorably. He mentioned that these projects would also facilitate the operation and maintenance of the upcoming Bengaluru-Vijayapura Vande Bharat Express, set to commence in the coming months.
He concluded that the expansion of the coach depot and railway station infrastructure in Vijayapura would not only strengthen the district’s rail services but also promote development across North Karnataka through improved connectivity, operational efficiency, and passenger amenities.
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