Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has requested Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to inaugurate the much-anticipated Gadag-Talkal Junction-Kustagi railway line in April. The CM also recommended inviting Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, as a distinguished guest, citing his long-standing contributions to Karnataka’s development.

In a letter to the minister, Siddaramaiah underlined that railway infrastructure expansion is essential for fostering economic development, enhancing regional connectivity, and driving social progress.

He highlighted that the Gadag-Wadi railway project was sanctioned in the 2013-14 railway budget to strengthen the link between Mumbai-Karnataka and Kalyana-Karnataka regions.

The 275 km project, with an estimated cost of Rs 22,000 crore, is expected to improve trade, mobility, and integration across the state, contributing to its long-term growth and development goals.