Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, V. Somanna, revealed that the Centre has approved railway projects worth ₹12,900 crore for the Kalyana Karnataka region. He announced this during a foundation stone ceremony for a road overbridge at Hagaribommanahalli on Sunday. Mr. Somanna said, "The Central government has taken up railway projects worth ₹12,900 crore in the Kalyana Karnataka region alone." He added that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, yearly railway funding to Karnataka rose from about ₹882 crore to ₹7,500-₹8,000 crore. This rise in funds sped up railway infrastructure work across the state. Key projects include the Ballari-Chikkajajur double-line railway, approved in June 2025, costing ₹3,400 crore. "The project will significantly improve connectivity between mining belts and strengthen the Mangaluru-Hyderabad rail corridor," he noted. In Vijayapura and Ballari districts, a ₹38.7 crore road overbridge is set to replace Level Crossing No 35 at Hagaribommanahalli. Works on crossings 37 and 38 have also started. Additionally, a flyover near Tungabhadra Dam in Hosapete is planned to reduce traffic jams. The Hosapete-Hampi road project, with a ₹26 crore budget, aims to finish by June this year. Also, under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, Hosapete Railway Station is being upgraded with ₹15.17 crore spent and about 80% work done. Mr. Somanna urged local officials to speed up land acquisition, including 1 acre and 41 guntas needed for the Hampi-Hagaribommanahalli connectivity project, and to ensure quick clearances. He praised Ballari Lok Sabha MP E. Tukaram for his dedication to advancing railway projects. "This is not my money or the State’s money. It is the Prime Minister’s money meant for development. We must all work together," said Mr. Somanna. Mr. Tukaram emphasized that Vijayapura and Ballari’s mining, industry, and tourism sectors need better railway infrastructure, including track doubling, electrification, and more overbridges and underpasses.