Bengaluru: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that Karnataka has installed 1,652 kilometers of new railway lines since 2014, surpassing the entire railway network of Sri Lanka. Vaishnaw shared these details during an electronic briefing to media representatives from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, focusing on the Union Budget’s key highlights for the railway sector.
“An average of 150 km of new tracks were laid annually in Karnataka, marking a significant improvement over the 113 km laid annually between 2009 and 2014,” Vaishnaw noted.
Electrification Milestones
Highlighting Karnataka’s railway electrification progress, Vaishnaw revealed that 96.5% of the state’s rail network has been electrified. This includes sections under the South Western Railway, South Central Railway, Southern Railway, and Central Railway zones.
“From 2014 to 2025, Karnataka achieved an average of 294 km of electrification annually—16 times higher than the 18 km per year accomplished during 2009-2014,” he added.
Budget Allocations and Infrastructure Development
The budget for Karnataka’s railways continues to rise steadily. For the fiscal year 2025-26, Rs 7,564 crore has been allocated, a slight increase from Rs 7,559 crore in FY 2024-25.
In addition, Rs 1,981 crore is being invested in the development of 61 Amrit stations across the state. Since 2014, 644 rail flyovers and underbridges have been constructed to improve connectivity and reduce traffic congestion.
Passenger Amenities and Modernization
To enhance passenger experience, Wi-Fi has been installed at 335 stations, along with 61 elevators and 43 escalators. Karnataka currently operates 10 Vande Bharat trains covering 12 districts with 18 distinct stoppages.
Redevelopment projects are also underway at key stations. Tumakuru station is set for redevelopment at a cost of Rs 88 crore, with the contract expected to be awarded by March 31. Yesvantpur and Bangalore Cantonment stations are undergoing renovations, with budgets of Rs 367 crore and Rs 485 crore, respectively.
Budget Allocations for Neighboring States
The budget has also earmarked Rs 3,042 crore for Kerala, Rs 6,626 crore for Tamil Nadu, and Rs 482 crore for Goa under the Konkan Railway network. Vaishnaw emphasized that these allocations surpass the amounts provided during the previous UPA administration, reflecting the current government’s commitment to bolstering railway infrastructure across southern India.
Future Outlook
Tendering has commenced for the installation of the Kavach safety system across 1,672 kilometers in Karnataka, aimed at enhancing operational safety. Vaishnaw’s announcement underscores the significant strides made in railway development, positioning Karnataka as a key player in India’s expanding rail network.