Mysore/Mysuru, Feb. 12 -- Former Prime Minister and current Rajya Sabha Member H.D. Deve Gowda (HDD) has urged the Railway Ministry to approve the construction of a new railway line connecting Channarayapatna to Kushalnagar via Holenarasipura and Arkalgud.

In a letter addressed to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Feb. 5, 2026, Deve Gowda highlighted the importance of the proposed 87-km line.

"The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the line has already been submitted by the South Western Railway (SWR) to the Ministry. This project represents a long-standing demand of the people of the Kodagu region, who have been seeking improved rail connectivity for years. The new line would significantly boost development in the area by facilitatin...