The groups urged the government to give priority to doubling of busy lines and electrifying existing and new lines under South Western Railway. Their main demand is for the doubling and electrification of Hubballi-Chikkajajur-Arsikere-Tumakuru-Chikkabanavara line that connects Bengaluru and many regions in North Karnataka. In South Karnataka, the Railways should take over the Hassan-Bantwal line from Hassan-Mangalore Rail Development Corporation to introduce more passenger trains. Advocacy groups have suggested that the government announce new rail lines in the State, particularly in North Karnataka, to improve rail density as well as boost the economy. The new division announced by the then Railway Minister M. Mallikarjuna Kharge at Kalaburgi should be made functional, the groups said.

Source: The Hindu January 25, 2017 19:06 UTC