On 15 May 2025 a significant milestone in enhancing regional rail connectivity was achieved with the inauguration of the Thalkal–Kushtagi section of the new Gadag–Wadi railway line. The ceremony was held at Kushtagi Railway Station and led by Shri V. Somanna, Minister of State for Railways.

Marking the occasion, Shri Somanna also flagged off the inaugural run of the Kushtagi–SSS Hubballi passenger train, heralding a new era of mobility and economic opportunity for the region.

The ceremony was attended by Shri Shivaraj S. Tangadagi, Hon’ble Minister for Backward Classes Welfare, Kannada & Culture, and District In-charge Minister for Koppal; Shri Basavaraj Rayareddy,  MLA and Chief Economic Advisor to the Hon’ble Chief Minister; Shri Doddanagouda H. Patil, Hon’ble MLA from Kushtagi; Shri Nalin Atul, Deputy Commissioner of Koppal; Smt. Hemalata Nayak, Hon’ble MLC; former Ministers Shri Halappa Achar and Shri Virupakshappa; former MLAs Shri Basavaraj Dadesugur, Shri Amaregouda Patil Bayyapur, and Shri Pratapgouda Patil, along with senior officials from Indian Railways.

Source/RSB