Only 61% of land acquired for Karnataka railway projects; nearly 4,000 hectares still pending
Railway infrastructure projects in Karnataka are facing significant delays due to land acquisition hurdles, with only 61% of the required land secured. The Ministry of Railways has identified land acquisition, forest clearances, and statutory approvals as primary bottlenecks for several new rail lines.
Why it matters
Infrastructure development is critical for economic growth, and these delays represent a major challenge for regional connectivity and the efficient execution of government-funded projects.
Land acquisition continues to be one of the biggest hurdles delaying railway infrastructure projects across Karnataka, with only 61% of the required land acquired so far.
The latest data shows that railway projects across the State require 10,123 hectares. Of this, 6,134 hectares (61%) have been acquired, while 3,989 (39%) remain to be acquired, highlighting a major bottleneck.
According to a reply tabled in the Rajya Sabha by the Ministry of Railways on July 24, 2026, to an unstarred question raised by Ajay Maken, the Ministry said that the Union government is fully geared up to execute railway projects, but their timely completion depends significantly on support from the Karnataka government, particularly in facilitating land acquisition. It added that delays are also caused by forest clearances, shifting of utilities, statutory approvals, geological conditions and law-and-order issues.
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