Speaking in the Lok Sabha during the discussion on demands for grants for Railways, Naik said better-served states have received higher allocations, while Karnataka’s share has remained inadequate. “The lower allocation has failed to address regional disparities,” he said.
Citing data, the former IAS officer noted that Karnataka’s railway density stood at 8.22 km per lakh population as per 2015 figures, placing it behind 13 states. In terms of area coverage, the state fared worse, with a density of 2.62 km per 100 sq km, trailing 16 states. In comparison, Gujarat recorded the highest railway density at 42.45 km per lakh population, while West Bengal topped area density with 11.79 km per 100 sq km.
He added that between 2023-24 and 2026-27, Karnataka received an average allocation of around ₹7,600 crore annually, significantly lower than Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, which received upwards of ₹12,500 crore and ₹19,000 crore, respectively.
Naik underscored the need to prioritise backward regions such as Kalyan Karnataka, which enjoys special constitutional status under Article 371-J. Highlighting the region’s agricultural strength, energy capacity and industrial potential, he urged the Centre to establish a Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal in Raichur to improve logistics and spur growth.
The Raichur MP also reiterated the long-pending demand for a railway division at Kalaburagi. He noted that the project was approved during the UPA government and announced in the 2014-15 Railway Budget with an initial outlay of ₹5 crore, while the state had allotted around 32 acres of land free of cost.
Listing key demands, Naik called for expediting Amrit Bharat Station works at Raichur and Yadgir, introduction of a fast passenger train between Kalaburagi and Bengaluru, and a daily train service connecting Raichur and Hyderabad. He also sought extension of key train services, restoration of pre-pandemic operations, and a survey for the Almatti–Kupgal railway line.He also pressed for infrastructure upgrades including road under-bridges along the Manvi–Raichur stretch, a new station at Kurdi Road, and capacity enhancements at Mamadapur station. Doubling and electrification of the Ginigera–Raichur line were also among the demands.
Naik said there remains a wide gap between the Centre’s claims on railway expansion and the ground reality, calling for a stronger push to bridge infrastructure deficits and support industrial growth in the region.
