The South Western Railway (SWR) has launched an ambitious plan to redevelop Hubballi Railway Station at an estimated cost of Rs 4 billion, Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi announced on Friday.Addressing a press conference after chairing a review meeting of railway officials at Rail Soudha in Hubballi, the minister said that after Bengaluru, Hubballi is the busiest station in the railway zone, serving nearly 50,000 passengers daily.“Hubballi Railway Station holds special significance within the Indian Railways network. Under the redevelopment plan, the station will receive a comprehensive facelift, featuring hi-tech entrances and a modern architectural design,” Mr Joshi said. “The existing circulating areas and adjoining spaces will be better utilised, and the project will also explore commercial potential around the main entrance.”Once completed, the revamped Hubballi station will feature a unique and technologically advanced design, aligning with Indian Railways’ broader modernisation drive.The minister also highlighted progress on the Hubballi–Ankola railway line, a long-pending infrastructure project spanning 163 kilometres. Mr Joshi said the project proposal, worth Rs 170 billion, had been revised in accordance with the Environment Ministry’s guidelines and resubmitted for final approval.“All hurdles have been cleared. The re-survey has been completed and a new project report submitted. We are expecting approval shortly,” he said. The railway line, once approved, will provide direct connectivity between the coastal region and Bengaluru via Hubballi, significantly boosting economic development along Karnataka’s western corridor.Earlier in the day, Mr Joshi and SWR General Manager Mukul Saran Mathur reviewed progress on several key projects under the railway zone, including the Tumkur–Chitradurga, Dharwad–Belgaum, Bagalkot–Kudachi, and Gadag–Wadi lines, along with ongoing construction of Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and Road Under Bridges (RUBs).Officials informed the minister that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Gadag–Yalvigi new line would be submitted to the Railway Board by December 2025.Progress was also reviewed under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) for several Karnataka stations, including Alnavar (Rs 172 million), Badami (Rs 151 million), Koppal (Rs 211 million), and Bantwal (Rs 262 million).The review meeting was attended by MLA Mahesh Tenginakai, MLC Pradeep Shettar, Hubballi-Dharwad Mayor Jyoti Patil, Municipal Commissioner Rudresh Gali, and Divisional Railway Manager Bela Meena, among others.The redevelopment of Hubballi station, alongside these major infrastructure initiatives, marks a significant step in enhancing Karnataka’s railway network, aimed at improving passenger experience, boosting freight connectivity, and supporting regional development.