Shivamogga–Shikaripura–Ranebennur rail project trails as land acquisition hurdles persist
The current anticipated cost has risen to ₹994.47 crore, with funding shared equally between the Indian Railways and the Government of Karnataka.
Despite more than four years since approval, only 11.5% physical progress has been achieved, and no section of the line has been commissioned yet. Land acquisition remains the principal bottleneck, with just 560.49 acres (40.5%) of the required 1,382.7 acres handed over so far to railways from the State government. A staggering 822.21 acres (59.5%) is yet to be acquired, with the largest backlog concentrated in the Shikaripura–Ranebennur section, where 815.30 acres out of the required 878.14 acres are still pending.
'Land acquisition is the most pressing issue holding back the project,' said an official from South Western Railway. 'There are complications involving pending payments, documentation gaps, forest land clearance, and local disputes. These need urgent resolution if the project is to stay on track,' the official added.
The project has been divided into two phases: Phase I covers the Shivamogga to Shikaripura stretch (46 km), while Phase II will extend from Shikaripura to Ranebennur. In a step forward, an EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) contract for the Koteganguru–Shikaripura stretch (39.38 km) was awarded on February 17, 2023, for ₹530.59 crore.
According to officials, to resolve the delays, regular high-level meetings have been held with key stakeholders, including the Chief Secretary of the Infrastructure Development Department (IDD), Deputy Commissioners, and the Minister of Infrastructure.
Officials say the project has significant potential to boost connectivity in the region. 'The project is progressing, but land acquisition remains the critical challenge significantly impacting the pace of execution and commissioning,' the official added.
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