**Executive Summary**
The Ministry of Railways has notified the Hubballi – Ankola New Broad Gauge Double Line project as a "Special Railway Project" for national infrastructure. Dated July 23, 2026, and published on July 24, 2026, the notification invokes the Railways Act, 1989, to facilitate the development of a 163.00 km electrified line. The project spans multiple taluks and villages across the Dharwad and Uttara Kannada districts in the State of Karnataka.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Project Designation and Legal Basis**
* The Hubballi – Ankola railway project is officially designated as a "Special Railway Project" under Section 2, clause 37(A) of the Railways Act, 1989.
* The project is declared a public purpose initiative intended to provide essential national infrastructure.
* The notification is effective from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette (July 24, 2026).
**Project Specifications and Scope**
* The project involves the construction of a New Broad Gauge Double Line covering a distance of 163.00 km.
* The scope includes full electrification of the railway line.
* The construction involves the use of Government, Private, and Forest land.
**Geographic Coverage**
* **Dharwad District:** Affects villages within the Hubballi and Kalaghatgi taluks. Notable villages include Hubballi Municipality, Bindal, Gabbur, Chalamatti, and Kalagatgi.
* **Uttara Kannada District:** Affects villages within the Yellapur and Ankola taluks. Notable villages include Hosalli, Yellapur, Sunkasala, and Ankola.
* A comprehensive list of dozens of specific villages across these four taluks is provided as being integral to the project route.
**Impact Analysis**
**Ministry of Railways / South Western Railway (Construction Organization)**
**Impact**
The project gains formal legal status as a "Special Railway Project," streamlining the processes for infrastructure development and national utility.
**Action Required**
The South Western Railway must oversee the construction, electrification, and management of the 163 km double line across the identified districts.
**Landowners (Government, Private, and Forest Departments)**
**Impact**
Land located in the listed villages within Dharwad and Uttara Kannada districts is now officially part of a designated national infrastructure project.
**Action Required**
Affected landowners and departments must prepare for land-related proceedings or acquisitions as necessitated by the project’s requirements under the Railways Act.
**Local Residents of Dharwad and Uttara Kannada Districts**
**Impact**
Residents in the specified taluks (Hubballi, Kalaghatgi, Yellapur, and Ankola) will be directly affected by the construction and eventual operation of the new electrified double line.
**Action Required**
Residents should monitor official updates regarding the project’s development and any specific impacts on their respective villages.
Key Entities Referenced
Railways Act, 1989: The primary legislation under which this notification is issued, specifically invoking Section 2, clause 37(A) to designate infrastructure projects.
Special Railway Project: A designation granted to the Hubballi – Ankola railway line project for providing national infrastructure for public purposes.
Hubballi – Ankola Railway Project: A 163 km new broad-gauge double line construction and electrification project involving government, private, and forest land.
Karnataka: The Indian state where the project is situated, specifically spanning the Dharwad and Uttara Kannada districts.