The long pending Kudgi Railway canal crossing work is completed successfully. The main canal of Mulwad Lift Irrigation stage-III is of length 202 km and contemplated to irrigate 1.66 Lakh Hectares of land.
However, the Gadag-Hotgi Railway line near Kudgi village was coming in it’s way hence the crossing of canal across the railway line had become essential. This canal railway crossing project started in January 2017. But due to technical difficulties such as hard rock and running track overhead the construction site, it had to be stopped in August 2018.
Thereafter, temporary arrangement of pipe was done to provide water to the farmers.
Shri Ramesh C. Jigajinagi, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Vijayapura and Shri P.C. Gaddigoudar, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Bagalkot demanded to take up the project and complete it as early as possible so that farmers are benefitted.
They raised the issue also with Shri Suresh Angadi, Hon’ble Minister of State of Railways during the meeting and Shri Suresh Angadi directed the Railway Officials to complete the project at the earliest on top priority. The project started again in full swing in December 2019.
Shri A.K. Singh, General Manager of SWR and Shri Arvind Malkhede, Divisional Railway Manager of Hubballi Division conducted inspections at the site and had given directions & advices in carrying out the works.
While the box pushing work of the project was going on, there was a nationwide lockdown imposed to contain COVID 19 pandemic. Even in such situation the staff at the site was counseled to follow the guidelines given by the government such and washing hands, following social distancing and work was allowed to continue.
They were regularly screened for any COVID 19 related symptoms and also counselled. They were provided with masks, hand wash, soaps, sanitizers etc. for their hygiene. Also, Railway supervisors and officers were present at the site to motivate and guide for early completion. In this way, box pushing work was completed on 26th March further earth filling was completed on 29th March. Other related works are expected to complete soon after lockdown is relaxed and farmers will get water thereafter. The cost of project is Rs.24 crores.
Shri A.K. Singh, General Manager of SWR congratulated the team of SWR involved in Canal Crossing Work and said it will help large number of villagers and farmers to get water for irrigation.
Shri Arvind Malkhede, Divisional Railway Manager of Hubballi Division has also congratulated the team and said that it was one of the most challenging work which was successfully completed by the efficient officers and staff.
SWR is the best managed division of Indian railways. They complete the work not only time bound but also before time. The maintenance of stations are really great. Well done’.