Bengaluru: Karnataka Infrastructure Development and Vijayapura District In-charge Minister M.B. Patil said on Wednesday that he had discussed with Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna the need to establish a coach depot at Vijayapura to strengthen rail connectivity and to develop an additional entrance and exit gate at the railway station. He added that a letter has also been written to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in this regard.
Speaking in the issue, Patil said that a separate letter has also been addressed to V. Somanna. He noted that the goods shed, which was earlier located within the Vijayapura railway station premises, has now been shifted to Aliyabad. As a result, there is adequate land available for establishing a coach depot. Once set up, the depot can be developed into a coach maintenance hub, enabling more efficient train operations and improving rail connectivity for Vijayapura and other parts of North Karnataka, he explained.
Vijayapura is a historic city and a major tourist destination that attracts lakhs of visitors throughout the year. Passenger footfall increases significantly during weekends, festivals and public holidays. Therefore, an additional station entrance and exit gate is required at Vijayapura railway station to improve passenger convenience, Patil has pointed out in his letter.
Patil said these issues were discussed with V. Somanna during a Railway Department programme held last Monday, and that the Union Minister responded positively. He expressed confidence that, if these proposals are implemented, they would also facilitate the maintenance and operation of the Bengaluru–Vijayapura Vande Bharat Express service, which is expected to commence in the next few months.
