‘Steps to reduce the duration of Bengaluru-Vijayapura train journey’, says M B Patil
Bengaluru: Minister for Infrastructure Development M B Patil said that the railway officials have been convinced to reduce the duration of Bangalore-Bagalkota-Vijayapura train journey from 14 hours to 10 hours. He was addressing the media at Khanija Bhavana, Bengaluru, on Friday after a meeting with the officials of Department of Infrastructure Development and the Southwestern Railway to discuss on the slow progress of 9 cost sharing railway projects in the state.
Stressing on how the reduced duration of journeys will benefit the people of Southwestern part of the state visiting Bengaluru, M B Patil said that the 660 km long Bengaluru-Vijayapura train journey took a tiresome 14 hours to complete because of unnecessary delays at Hubli and Gadag stations. “The changing of engines in Hubli takes 45 minutes and similar delays occur in Gadag”, he complained. He wanted a new route plan to be put in place where the trains travelled via Hubli (South) Bypass and Gadag Bypass to reduce the time taken.
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“Bangalore-Hubli-Bagalkota has a dual lane. The dual lane between Bagalkota-Vijayapura has been almost completed till Alamatti. It shall be over by October, this year. The 9 km long track between Alamatti-Vandal is still pending as there is a bridge work to be done here. This will be completed by August 2025. The electrification of this lane will be over in next two months”, Patil stated.
Stressing on the necessity of running special trains to Vijayapura and Bagalkota from Bengaluru, M B Patil said that the railway board would be requested to start ‘Vande Bharat Express’ train service between the cities, once the electrification works were over. He asked the officials to finish the 9 cost sharing railway projects in state faster as the delays were resulting in increased expenses. “Among the projects, Munirabad-Mehbub Nagar project must be done by March 2026, Tumkur-Rayadurga project by December 2027, Chikkamagaluru-Beluru project by 2026 and Bagalkota-Kudachi project should be done by 2027”, he told them.
“The land acquisition for Tumkur-Davangere project is all done. The state funds only the single lane of this work. It is really good that the railway department has already decided to lay a double lane. This must be completed by 2027. It will definitely ease the travel between Bagalkota and Vijayapura”, M B Patil added.
The Minister drew attention to a snag in the land acquisition process at Halakatte in the Gadag-Wadi lane where the RTC was owned by one but occupied by another. He assured that the district collector was informed about this and the issue would be resolved soon.
Secretary for the Department of Infrastructure Dr N Manjula, Managing Director of Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation Satheesh, Administrative Officer of Southwestern Railways Ramgopal, Chief Engineer of Railway Planning Cell Murthi Raju and Technical Advisor to Infrastructure Minister Aravinda Galagali were present.
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Indian Defence forces committed to adapting to changing environment: CDS General Chauhan
Hyderabad (PTI): Asserting that war and warfare is at the cusp of a major revolution, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Saturday said the Indian Defence forces are committed to adapting to changing environment and imbibing reforms to remain ready and relevant.
Addressing the Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) of 216 Course held at the Air Force Academy at Dundigal near here, General Chauhan said India's strength rests on robust institutions, democratic stability, and unwavering professionalism of our Armed Forces.
He said the intensity of operations may have ebbed, but Operation Sindoor continues.
"You (new officers) also join the Air Force at a moment when a new normal has firmly taken shape. An era defined by a high degree of operational preparedness, 24-7, 365 days. The intensity of operations may have ebbed, but Operation Sindhur continues," he said.
He further said the newly trained officers are entering the Indian Air Force during a phase of deep transformation of the Indian Armed Forces.
Integrated structures, joint operations, and national pursuit of Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence are shaping the future of India's military strength, he said.
"Your journey ahead will be accordingly guided by Jai, the first word of Jai Hind, that's victory. 'J' stands for jointness, fighting as one nation, one force. 'A' stands for Atmanirbhar Bharat, trusted platforms and systems made not just for India but for the world. And finally, 'I' for innovation, daring to think ahead and to be ahead of the curve," he explained.
General Chauhan further said battles in the older domains will always remain contested, often brutal. But in the new domains, they will be smart, swift, and shaped by intellect, innovation, and initiative. The force that masters new frontiers is more likely to prevail in future conflicts.
