Two major railway line projects meant to improve connectivity in central Karnataka and the Malnad region remain stalled amid land acquisition and cost sharing disputes. The schemes comprise a new Shivamogga to Harihara line and a Shivamogga to Ranebennur line via Shikaripura, both intended to shorten travel, strengthen passenger links and facilitate freight movement to industrial centres. Both projects were sanctioned under a 50:50 cost sharing model between Indian Railways and the state government, making state cooperation essential.

The Shivamogga–Harihara route measures 79 km and was sanctioned to provide a shorter rail link between Malnad and central Karnataka. The project requires 488 hectares of land but no land has been handed over so far and the state government has not committed its share of funding, effectively stalling the work. With no land acquisition the project has not moved beyond sanction and continued delay is likely to push up costs given rising land prices and construction expenses.

The Shivamogga–Ranebennur new line via Shikaripura stretches 96 km and is similarly structured on a 50:50 funding basis intended to integrate Shivamogga with north Karnataka. Out of 559 hectares required for the alignment 226 hectares have been acquired while 333 hectares remain pending and railway authorities have indicated that large scale civil works cannot proceed until the remaining land is handed over. Though this project has recorded partial progress it remains far from full scale implementation.

Railway officials have reiterated in parliamentary responses that under the cost sharing arrangement the state must provide land free of cost and bear half of the project expenditure, a requirement that has not been fulfilled. Local industry representatives have emphasised that the lines will help firms in the region connect with Mumbai and north India for both trade and passenger purposes and urged prompt action. Officials and stakeholders indicate that resolution of land and funding issues is essential to prevent further escalation of time and cost.