Land and Cost Sharing Stall Shivamogga Rail Projects

06 Mar 2026 CW Team

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.

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.

Real Estate

01 Apr 2026

Top White Tiles Texture Designs for Elegant Interiors

White interiors are often associated with simplicity, elegance, and timeless design. In many homes, white tiles help create this refined look because they reflect light and blend easily with different décor styles. Used in living rooms, kitchens, or bathrooms, they keep spaces feeling bright and open. Adding the right wall tile texture can introduce subtle depth and visual interest without overpowering the design. From soft finishes to gentle patterns, textured white tiles help create interiors that feel calm, balanced, and elegant.Why White Tile Textures Are Popular in Interior Design?One of..

Resources

01 Apr 2026

Brookfield India REIT Appoints Shashank Jain As CEO

Brookfield India Real Estate Trust (BIRET) has appointed Shashank Jain as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the Manager of the REIT, effective July 1, 2026. Alok Aggarwal will continue in his role until June 30, 2026.Jain joins from PwC India, where he co-led the deals practice, and brings over 25 years of experience across real estate, private equity and mergers and acquisitions advisory.Ankur Gupta, Head of APAC and Middle East Real Estate at Brookfield Asset Management and Chairman on the Board of the Manager of BIRET, said, “Alok has been at the forefront of helping us bui..

Resources

01 Apr 2026

Captain Steel Launches TVC To Promote TMT Awareness

Captain Steel has launched a new television commercial aimed at educating consumers on the role of TMT rebars in ensuring structural strength, as part of a broader effort to address awareness gaps in the category.The campaign positions TMT rebars alongside cement, highlighting their complementary roles in construction—cement managing compressive load and rebars bearing tensile load. It urges homebuilders to apply equal consideration while selecting both materials.Featuring brand ambassador Sourav Ganguly and actor Parambrata Chattopadhyay, the film draws attention to consumer behaviour in ma..