Karnataka: Minister MB Patil Seeks Coach Depot at Vijayapura Station
He said the projects are essential to strengthen rail connectivity and improve passenger facilities in the region
Vijayapura: Karnataka Minister for Infrastructure Development and Vijayapura District In-charge M.B. Patil has urged Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to establish a coach depot at Vijayapura and develop an additional entry and exit gate at the city's railway station.
He said the projects are essential to strengthen rail connectivity and improve passenger facilities in the region.
Seeking approval for the proposals, Patil wrote to Vaishnaw and also raised the demands with Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna during a Railway Department programme held last Monday.
Stating that Vijayapura has adequate land for a coach depot, Patil said the goods shed that once operated within the railway station premises has already been shifted to Aliyabad.
“With the available space, Vijayapura can be developed into a coach maintenance hub. Besides improving operational efficiency, the depot will help enhance rail connectivity to Vijayapura and other parts of North Karnataka,” he said.
Describing Vijayapura as a historic city, Patil said it attracts lakhs of tourists every year. Passenger traffic increases significantly during weekends, festivals and public holidays, resulting in congestion at the railway station.
“There is a need for an additional entry and exit gate at Vijayapura railway station,” he said.
Patil added that Somanna responded positively to the proposals during their discussions.
He expressed confidence that if the demands are approved, they would also facilitate the maintenance of the proposed Bengaluru–Vijayapura Vande Bharat Express, which is expected to begin operations in the coming months.
