The long-awaited railway project connecting Belgaum, Chandgad, and Sawantwadi, which has been stalled for decades, is being reconsidered by the Central Railway Ministry. Discussions have been held between Belgaum MP Jagdish Shettar and Union Minister of State for Railways V. Sommanna, who has instructed the General Manager of South Western...
more...

Railway to pursue the project. This railway line, if completed, will significantly boost Sawantwadi's trade and tourism. The initial survey for this route was conducted in 1970, when the Konkan Railway was not yet operational. After a period of stagnation, the project gained renewed momentum in 2018 when Belgaum MP Suresh Angadi became the Minister of State for Railways. A feasibility report was submitted to the Railway Board for the 114.6 km route that would connect Sawantwadi to Amboli, Chandgad, and then directly to Belgaum. The project was further delayed after the death of Mr. Angadi in 2020, leaving the future of the old railway line uncertain. Chandgad residents have revived their efforts for this project, seeking support from Kolhapur MP Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, who has assured positive action. The project has also garnered support from Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg MP Narayan Rane. The railway line will not only connect Sawantwadi directly to Belgaum and Bangalore, two important cities, but also facilitate easy transportation of vegetables from Belgaum, cashew nuts from Chandgad, sugarcane, and fish from the Konkan region, ultimately boosting tourism in the region. The Central Railway Ministry is also considering a new railway project between Belgaum and Dharwad, which will connect to Bangalore. The ministry has begun to consider the old Belgaum-Chandgad-Kolhapur-Sawantwadi project along with this new project under the Bharat Mala Yojana, as they are complementary to each other. Both projects, if realized, would significantly benefit Sawantwadi and the Sindhudurg district commercially.