Karnataka Gets Boost As 56 Km Of New Rail Line Opens

15 Jan 2026 CW Team

According to a post shared by the ministry on X, 56 km of the planned 68 km corridor has now been commissioned, marking steady progress on a long-pending connectivity project in the region. The ministry said the line strengthens first-time rail connectivity to the hilly and remote terrain of Chikkamagaluru and improves access to Belur, a prominent tourist destination in Hassan district.

The newly commissioned stretch is expected to significantly enhance transport access to Chikkamagaluru, a district known for its coffee plantations and challenging terrain, which has historically had limited rail penetration. The line reduces dependence on road transport and offers a safer, faster and more affordable travel option for passengers.

Improved rail connectivity is also expected to support local economic activity by facilitating the movement of agricultural produce and boosting tourism-related travel. The project is likely to benefit Belur, home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Chennakesava Temple, by increasing tourist footfall and supporting hospitality and allied sectors.

Once the remaining section of the Kadur–Chikkamagaluru–Belur line is completed, the route is expected to further integrate central Karnataka with the wider state rail network, aligning with Indian Railways’ focus on expanding connectivity in underserved and remote areas.

Separately, South Western Railway has announced the regulation of certain train services due to a Line Block and Power Block between Hejjala and Kengeri stations to facilitate essential maintenance and infrastructure works.

As per the notification, Train No. 16021, Dr MGR Chennai Central–Ashokapuram Kaveri Express, scheduled to depart at 21:15 hours on January 22, 2026, will be regulated by about 35 minutes at en route stations. The same service, scheduled to depart on March 5, 2026, is expected to face a longer regulation of around 45 minutes during its journey.

The Ministry of Railways has announced a key milestone in Karnataka’s rail infrastructure development with the commissioning of a major stretch of the Kadur–Chikkamagaluru–Belur new railway line. According to a post shared by the ministry on X, 56 km of the planned 68 km corridor has now been commissioned, marking steady progress on a long-pending connectivity project in the region. The ministry said the line strengthens first-time rail connectivity to the hilly and remote terrain of Chikkamagaluru and improves access to Belur, a prominent tourist destination in Hassan district. The newly commissioned stretch is expected to significantly enhance transport access to Chikkamagaluru, a district known for its coffee plantations and challenging terrain, which has historically had limited rail penetration. The line reduces dependence on road transport and offers a safer, faster and more affordable travel option for passengers. Improved rail connectivity is also expected to support local economic activity by facilitating the movement of agricultural produce and boosting tourism-related travel. The project is likely to benefit Belur, home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Chennakesava Temple, by increasing tourist footfall and supporting hospitality and allied sectors. Once the remaining section of the Kadur–Chikkamagaluru–Belur line is completed, the route is expected to further integrate central Karnataka with the wider state rail network, aligning with Indian Railways’ focus on expanding connectivity in underserved and remote areas. Separately, South Western Railway has announced the regulation of certain train services due to a Line Block and Power Block between Hejjala and Kengeri stations to facilitate essential maintenance and infrastructure works. As per the notification, Train No. 16021, Dr MGR Chennai Central–Ashokapuram Kaveri Express, scheduled to depart at 21:15 hours on January 22, 2026, will be regulated by about 35 minutes at en route stations. The same service, scheduled to depart on March 5, 2026, is expected to face a longer regulation of around 45 minutes during its journey.

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