Bengaluru: Minister for Infrastructure Development M. B. Patil has recommended renaming four railway stations — located in Vijayapura, Belagavi, Bidar, and Sooragondanakoppa in Shivamogga district — to better reflect their local cultural significance. In this regard, he has written to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
In his letter, the Minister proposed that the Vijayapura railway station be renamed Jnanayogi Sri Siddeshwar Swamiji Railway Station, the Belagavi station as Sri Basava Mahaswamiji Railway Station, the Bidar station as Channabasava Pattaddevaru Railway Station, and the Sooragondanakoppa station as Bhayagada Railway Station.
The State Government has recommended these names in honour of revered saints who have contributed greatly to Karnataka’s spiritual and social heritage. Approval from the Union Home Ministry is required for the renaming, and the proposal has accordingly been forwarded through the Infrastructure Development Department, the Minister stated.
All four railway stations fall under the Hubballi Division of South Western Railway. The saints whose names have been proposed have rendered invaluable service to the regions concerned. The Minister has urged that the proposal be approved and the renaming officially notified in the Gazette at the earliest.
