Karnataka has reached another milestone in terms of improving connectivity as the Shree Siddharoodha Swamiji Station in Hubballi now has the longest platform in the world. It is a 1507 m long platform and has been built at a cost of about INR 20 crore, as part of remodeling of the Hubballi yard and to address the need to run additional trains in future.
As shared by the Ministry of Railways, this record of being the longest platform in the world, has also been registered and recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records recently.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed delight on the occasion and underlined that it is not just any record or extension of a platform but it is forwarding the thinking which gives priority to infrastructure development.
Modi, while laying the foundation stone for the platform at Shree Siddharoodha Swamiji Station on March 12, said that 21st century India is moving ahead by modernising its cities and added that Hubballi-Dharwad is included in the smart city project.
The total estimated cost of these projects is about INR 520 crore. These efforts are expected to enhance the quality of life by creating hygienic, safe and functional public spaces and transforming the town into a futuristic urban centre.
“Technology, infrastructure and smart governance will take the Hubballi-Dharwad region to new heights”, Modi said.
While laying another foundation stone for the electrification of Hosapete – Hubbali – Tinaighat section and the upgradation of Hosapete station, Modi noted that these efforts will speed up the economic development of the region and promote tourism at the same time.
Developed at a cost of over INR 530 crores, the electrification project establishes seamless train operation on electric traction, an official statement said. The redeveloped Hosapete station will provide convenient and modern facilities to travellers and has been designed to resemble the Hampi monuments.
“Better and advanced infrastructure is not only good to look at but also makes the lives of people easier,” PM said, adding that the double-engine government of Karnataka strives for the complete development of every district, village and hamlet of the state.
Talking about the other recent developments in the state, Modi mentioned that the new Benguluru Mysuru expressway will pave the way to take the software hub identity of Karnataka even further.
Similarly, the Prime Minister said , many development projects were either dedicated or their foundation stones were laid in Belagavi. He also mentioned Shivamogga Kuvempu Airport and stated that these projects along with the projects unveiled on March 12, are ‘scripting a new development story of Karnataka’.
The other projects inaugurated include IIT Dharwad, the foundation base of which was set in February 2019.
