The Railway Minister confirmed in a Lok Sabha session on Wednesday that no project has been sanctioned for the establishment of a railway division in Gulbarga (Kalaburagi), Karnataka. This announcement came in response to queries from Congress MP regarding the status of the division despite previous assurances and the state’s efforts in land acquisition.
The Railway Minister clarified that the creation of a railway division in Gulbarga was initially proposed as part of the interim railway budget for 2014-15. At that time, a committee of senior railway officials was appointed to assess the feasibility of establishing three new railway divisions, including the one in Gulbarga. However, following a comprehensive review of operational, financial, and administrative factors, the committee deemed the proposal unjustified. “The committee’s evaluation did not support the creation of these divisions,” the Railway Minister stated. The assessment considered various aspects of railway operations and resource allocation, concluding that the proposed divisions, including Gulbarga, were not warranted at this juncture. Consequently, the proposal was not advanced beyond the review stage.
Officials further explained that despite the initial announcement and the state’s proactive steps towards land acquisition, the project’s advancement was halted due to the unfavourable findings of the committee. This decision underscores a broader scrutiny of project viability within the railway sector, reflecting a stringent approach towards the allocation of resources and the establishment of new administrative units. The minister’s revelation highlights a significant shift in priorities and resource management within the Indian Railways, emphasising a need for rigorous justification before the sanctioning of new divisions.
This development may have implications for regional infrastructure projects and the expectations of local stakeholders in Karnataka. This decision also reflects the broader challenges faced by the Indian Railways in balancing operational efficiency with regional demands, particularly in the context of a rapidly evolving transportation network.
