Gadag-Wadi Line Gets a Boost: Kushtagi-Talakal Inaugurated

On May 15, 2025, Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna inaugurated the Kushtagi–Talakal section of the Gadag–Wadi railway line, fulfilling a long-pending demand of the people of Kushtagi, Yelburga, and Kukanoor taluks in Karnataka's Koppal district.

The newly commissioned 56-km stretch, part of a larger rail infrastructure project, connects key towns including Linganabandi, Hanumapur, Yelburga, Sanganal, Kukanoor, and Talakal. The line is expected to greatly enhance regional connectivity and stimulate economic growth in North Karnataka.

During the event, the Minister also flagged off the inaugural run of a daily passenger train between Kushtagi and Hubballi.

Highlighting recent developments in the Indian Railways, the Minister noted the deployment of the Kavach safety system in Vande Bharat trains and the creation of five lakh job opportunities in the railway sector between 2014 and 2024. He also urged the Karnataka government to release the remaining ₹837 crore of the ₹1,386 crore allocated for the completion of the Gadag–Wadi project.

Local MLAs submitted proposals for additional railway lines and services, including a direct Kushtagi–Bengaluru train and a new Daroji–Bagalkot connection, underscoring the region’s growing demand for better rail infrastructure.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.