Bidar –Hyderabad railway line doubling soon ; Minister Somanna

Bidar, : In his first official visit to Bidar district as Union Minister of State for Railways, V. Somanna arrived on Saturday to review ongoing and proposed railway projects aimed at enhancing connectivity in the region. Somanna traveled from Hyderabad on a special train and was received at the newly renovated Bidar railway station.

Upon arrival, the minister inspected renovations being carried out under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, where station buildings, platforms, and passenger amenities are being upgraded. Railway officials briefed him on the renovation progress, including the addition of modern waiting halls, improved lighting, and accessible facilities for differently-abled travelers.

Addressing the press afterward, Somanna announced plans to double the existing single-track line between Bidar and Hyderabad. “The Bidar–Hyderabad corridor, approximately 120 kilometers in length, will be converted into a double line at a cost of ₹400 crore. This will significantly increase capacity and reduce travel time,” he said.

He further disclosed that the Hyderabad–Bidar route will also be among the first in the region to receive the KAVACH train collision-avoidance system, with an allocation of ₹1,700 crore for implementation. “All funding for these projects will be borne by the central government,” he emphasized.

During the press briefing, Minister Somanna also addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding actor Kamal Haasan, who recently made remarks during a film promotion perceived as demeaning to the Kannada language. “It is not proper for any public figure, including Kamal Haasan, to refuse to apologize for statements that hurt Kannada sentiments,” Somanna remarked. “In this coalition democracy, no one should speak lightly or carelessly about any community or language.”