Sat Jun 21 14:26:22 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti V. Somanna held a meeting in Hassan district to review the progress of railway projects. Key topics included the near-completion of the Hassan-Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya railway electrification, the need to expedite land acquisition for the Belur-Hassan railway line, and a request for the Hassan-Solapur train to stop at Channarayapatna, along with improved infrastructure at Shravanabelgola railway station. The Minister also reiterated the national goal of eliminating all level crossings within two years.

**News Article:**

**Railway Projects in Hassan District Gain Momentum Following Minister’s Review**

Shivamogga, June 21, 2025 – Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, V. Somanna, convened a meeting in Hassan district on Friday to assess the progress of ongoing railway projects. The meeting, attended by South Western Railway officials, district administrators, and local legislators, focused on key infrastructural developments aimed at improving connectivity and efficiency in the region.

A major highlight was the near completion of the Hassan-Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya railway electrification project, with only a 32-km stretch between Sakleshpur and Shirabagilu remaining. Discussions also addressed the crucial need to accelerate land acquisition for the proposed railway line connecting Belur and Hassan. Mr. Somanna instructed the Hassan district administration to prioritize this matter.

MLA for Shravanabelgola, C.N. Balakrishna, appealed for the Hassan-Solapur train to include a stop at Channarayapatna and requested upgrades to the Shravanabelgola railway station’s facilities. The Minister responded positively, noting the importance of such requests for local convenience.

Looking ahead, Mr. Somanna reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to eliminating all railway level crossings across the country within the next two years, highlighting the government’s focus on safety and efficiency.

Lok Sabha member Shreyas M. Patel, legislators Cement Manju and H.K. Suresh, and Divisional Railway Manager Mudit Mittal were among the dignitaries present at the meeting.

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