CHAMARAJANAGAR, 3 JULY

After being confined to discussions and being on paper for over 25 years, the Chamarajanagar-Hejjala railway line is poised for implementation. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has assured Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries HD Kumaraswamy that the project will be included in the forthcoming Union Budget.

The demand for a railway line from Chamarajanagar to Mettupalayam in Tamil Nadu dates back to the pre-independence era, but environmental concerns stalled the project. Subsequently, the proposal for a railway line between Chamarajanagar and Hejjala on the outskirts of Bengaluru emerged as a feasible alternative, offering a closer route from the district to Tamil Nadu via the State capital.

Chamarajanagar-Hejjala route was included in the list of new railway lines approved by Railways last year, with the official route map published on its website. The new railway line will help residents of Chamarajanagar district to have a direct connection to Bengaluru, bypassing Mysuru and Mandya districts. If all goes as planned, land acquisition may commence following the budget.

The railway line will pass through key areas such as Santemarahalli, Yalandur, and Kollegala, enhancing connectivity for the district's burgeoning industrial sector. The estimated cost for acquiring land totalling around 1,700 acres is Rs 1,500 crore and State government would bear 50 per cent of the cost.

Kollegal MLA AR Krishnamurthy said, "This will help in the industrial development of the district and provide a closer connection to the capital city. We are appealing to the state government for the implementation of this route."  —Salar News