Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: The long-pending Nanded–Bidar railway project connecting Maharashtra and Karnataka is facing a major setback, with Karnataka state govt now declining to bear its 50% share of the cost. The development has triggered strong reactions from stakeholders and raised uncertainty over the project’s future.The decision came to light during the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting held in Nanded on Thursday, where officials from the railways department presented a progress report on infrastructure projects. According to the report, while Maharashtra govt had already agreed to bear its 50% share of the cost on Feb 5, 2024, Karnataka govt, in a communication dated Sept 27, 2024, expressed its unwillingness to contribute its portion.Reacting sharply, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Chavan termed Karnataka’s stance “disappointing” and said it had dashed expectations of people from both states. He said the refusal would severely impact regional connectivity and development prospects tied to the project.The Nanded–Bidar rail line, spanning approximately 157km, had received in-principle approval from Centre under a cost-sharing model involving equal contributions from Central govt and the two state govts. Of the total proposed length, around 101km falls within Maharashtra, while 56km lies in Karnataka.The project holds significant religious, economic, and strategic importance. It aims to directly connect two prominent Sikh pilgrimage sites — Hazur Sahib in Nanded and Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib in Bidar — via a dedicated rail route. The proposed connectivity was expected to greatly benefit pilgrims by providing seamless travel between the two shrines.Apart from religious tourism, the rail link was also seen as a catalyst for boosting tourism, trade, and employment in the region. Improved rail connectivity would have facilitated economic integration between the two states, while also significantly reducing travel distance and time between Nanded and Bengaluru.The project has been under active consideration and follow-up for several years, with Chavan consistently advocating for its implementation. He reiterated that Karnataka’s refusal to share the financial burden effectively stalls the project, despite Maharashtra having already committed its share.Calling the development unjust, Chavan said he would take up the issue at the Central level and also discuss it with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He stressed the need for intervention to ensure that the project does not get derailed, given its importance for inter-state connectivity and regional development.Officials indicated that further clarity on the project’s future will depend on discussions between Centre and the two state govts, even as stakeholders continue to push for its revival.
