Belagavi railway station has emerged as the second busiest in the Hubballi Division of South Western Railway, recording over 54.46 lakh passenger footfalls during 2025-26 (up to February 2026).

According to the latest station-wise footfall data released by the Hubballi Division, Belagavi handled 5,446,993 passengers, trailing only SSS Hubballi Junction, which recorded 1,24,63,253 footfalls.

The figures also highlight the importance of several stations across Belagavi district, reflecting strong passenger movement for both daily commuters and long-distance travellers.

Footfalls at Belagavi District Stations (2025-26 up to February 2026)

Key Highlights

• Belagavi continues to be one of the most significant railway hubs in North Karnataka, accounting for more than 54 lakh passenger movements in the first eleven months of the financial year.
• Ghatprabha and Kudachi have both crossed the 14 lakh passenger mark, underlining their importance as major boarding points along the Pune–Bengaluru rail corridor.
• Raybag, Londa Junction, and Ugar Khurd also recorded substantial passenger traffic, each serving as key stations for regional connectivity.
• Stations such as Khanapur, Gokak Road, Pachhapur, and Chikodi Road continue to witness healthy passenger volumes, reflecting growing rail dependence in the district.
• Smaller stations including Shedbal, Suladhal, Sulebhavi, Desur, and Sambre cater primarily to local commuters but remain important links in the region’s rail network.

The data provides a snapshot of passenger movement across the Hubballi Division and reinforces Belagavi’s position as the district’s principal rail gateway, while also highlighting the steady patronage of surrounding stations that connect towns across northern Karnataka and neighbouring Maharashtra.

Key Highlights from the Chief Minister’s first visit to Belagavi after becoming CM:

• Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar chaired the Belagavi Divisional Level Progress Review Meeting at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha on Thursday.
• ₹1 crore grant will be provided to every rural Assembly constituency to tackle drinking water shortages caused by below-normal monsoon rainfall.
• Officials were directed to ensure no village faces drinking water scarcity, working closely with local elected representatives.
• The government will supply water through tankers wherever necessary.
• Shivakumar said Karnataka, Maharashtra and Telangana have reached a consensus on the proposed Krishna-Cauvery-Godavari river linking project, calling it a historic step.
• The Forest Department was instructed not to delay permissions for drinking water pipeline projects and to expedite forest clearances.
• Applications related to Bagar Hukum cultivation should not be unnecessarily delayed or rejected.
• All Muzrai temples across Karnataka will be equipped with CCTV cameras for continuous monitoring.

• District Collectors and Superintendents of Police were instructed to strengthen vigilance following reports of financial misuse in temples elsewhere.
• The government will take a decision on cloud seeding after discussions with officials, following requests from several MLAs.
• Departments executing road works must maintain before-and-after photographic records. Similar documentation will be mandatory for beneficiary-oriented schemes to prevent fake billing.
• Strict action was warned against officials or contractors submitting fake records or fraudulent bills.
• Street vendors will be provided with vehicles under government schemes.
• A detailed report on the status of drinking water projects must be submitted to the government within one month.
• The Forest Department was directed to grant immediate clearances for drinking water projects.
• The next Legislative Assembly session will be held after completion of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
• PDOs and BLOs have been asked to create awareness about voter registration and ensure eligible citizens are not left out.
• The government is surveying misuse of guarantee schemes, and officials were directed to provide accurate data.
• Authorities were instructed to take strict action against fraudulent investment and cheating schemes.
• Border districts were told to intensify monitoring of illegal liquor and drug transportation from Goa and Maharashtra.
• Officials were directed to maintain adequate stocks of fertilisers and prevent black marketing.

Rainfall and Drought Preparedness

• Rainfall across North Karnataka has declined significantly, with the region recording an overall 17% rainfall deficit.
• District and taluk-level task force committees have been asked to hold regular review meetings and report to the government.
• Fodder kits should be supplied wherever shortages arise.
• Rain gauge stations will be modernised for more accurate rainfall monitoring.

Ministers’ Observations

• Satish Jarkiholi urged the government to officially adopt cloud seeding as a state programme and recommended desilting of dams across Karnataka.
• M.B. Patil said delays in projects such as the Jal Jeevan Mission should be identified through project audits.
• Eshwar Khandre said 83% progress has been achieved under the Ek Gram Drinking Water Project and directed officials to complete pending Har Ghar Jal works by March 2027.

Issues Raised by MLAs

• Shashikala Jolle (Nippani):
  • Four of seven bridges in the constituency are submerged.
  • Sought bridge elevation, crop damage assessment, compensation, and repairs to the Karadaga bridge.
• Mahantesh Koujalagi:
  • Requested an additional motor to improve the multi-village drinking water scheme.
• Laxman Savadi (Athani):
  • Said the drinking water problems of nearly 700 villages could be solved by providing a rising main near the Hipparagi Barrage.
• H.K. Patil:
  • Strongly advocated cloud seeding, citing previous successful experiments.
  • Proposed a 50-day programme costing around ₹40 crore, potentially in collaboration with the Defence forces.
• Raju Kage (Kagawad):
  • Highlighted drinking water shortages in 30 villages and fodder scarcity.
  • Sought faster implementation of the lake-filling project.
• Chadchan MLA:
  • Raised issues relating to drinking water supply and road repairs in the constituency.
• Appaji Nemagowda (Muddebihal):
  • Requested the release of Almatti backwaters into lakes to ease drinking water shortages.
• Aravind Bellad:
  • Called for a permanent solution to the long-standing developmental and water-related issues of North Karnataka.

“Government should reach the people, not the other way around,” CM D.K. Shivakumar said, directing officials to spend more time in the field rather than in offices.

• A new Public Service Department will be strengthened to resolve public grievances, with a separate minister to oversee its functioning. Public grievance meetings will be held on the first and third Saturdays in selected taluks.
• Officers were warned that using mobile phones during review meetings could invite suspension, with the CM stressing discipline and accountability.
• District and taluk-level officers have been directed to remain stationed in their jurisdictions and maintain daily records of field visits and problem resolution.
• The CM announced plans to establish high-quality government schools through CSR funding, targeting around 2,000 schools across Karnataka, with major educational institutions adopting government schools.
• The government will launch ‘Yuva Udyog Setu’ to connect young job seekers with private sector employment opportunities.
• The state will establish 10,000 Bharat Jodo Yuva Sanghas, with ₹10 lakh assistance for each to promote social harmony and constitutional values.
• A statewide audit of government land will be undertaken, followed by a programme to provide land and housing sites to landless families.
• The government plans to develop an industrial park in every taluk to boost local employment and investment.
• The CM instructed officials to curb unauthorised layouts and unplanned urban expansion, stressing scientific and planned development of towns and cities.
• The Revenue Department’s doorstep e-khata (e-account) delivery system will be expanded across Karnataka, alongside the digitisation of land records.
• The government said it is taking steps to combat fake news and misinformation as the influence of social media continues to grow.
• Deputy CM Dr. G. Parameshwara said development has not slowed because of the guarantee schemes, calling them complementary to infrastructure and welfare initiatives.
• He also said the Centre has supplied only 50% of Karnataka’s fertiliser requirement, and the state will seek immediate allocation of the remaining quantity

The Belgaum Chamber of Commerce & Industries (BCCI) has raised serious concerns over the inadequate and unreliable air connectivity from Belagavi, stating that poor flight services are hampering industrial growth, business expansion, tourism, education, healthcare, and the overall economic development of North Karnataka.

In a press statement, the Chamber said Belagavi has emerged as one of Karnataka’s fastest-growing industrial cities and serves as a gateway to North Karnataka, South Maharashtra, and parts of Goa. Despite its strategic importance and contribution to the state’s economy, the city continues to face limited flight connectivity, frequent schedule disruptions, and an insufficient number of flights to major destinations.

BCCI said it had held discussions with representatives of IndiGo, Star Air, and Sambra Airport authorities in February 2026, highlighting the difficulties faced by industrialists, entrepreneurs, exporters, professionals, students, patients, and other travellers. The airlines were requested to improve connectivity and strengthen their services, but the Chamber claimed that the concerns of Belagavi’s residents remain largely unaddressed.

According to the Chamber, inadequate air connectivity has become a significant obstacle to attracting investments and supporting business growth. Many industrialists and entrepreneurs are forced to travel through neighbouring airports, resulting in additional travel time, higher costs, and reduced productivity. The lack of dependable flights also impacts investors, tourists, medical travellers, and students.

The Chamber noted that Belagavi has consistently generated strong passenger traffic whenever quality air services have been introduced, demonstrating the city’s demand for better connectivity.

BCCI has urged the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Airports Authority of India, and airline operators, particularly IndiGo and Star Air, to take immediate steps to:

• Increase the frequency of flights from Belagavi.
• Introduce direct flights to Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Delhi, Chennai, and Ahmedabad.
• Ensure reliable schedules by minimising last-minute cancellations and delays.
• Plan future expansion of air services in line with Belagavi’s growing industrial and commercial needs.

The Chamber has also appealed to Members of Parliament, Members of the Legislative Assembly, elected representatives, industry associations, educational institutions, and the public to unite in demanding better air connectivity for Belagavi.

Calling improved air connectivity an essential requirement rather than a luxury, BCCI said Belagavi deserves aviation services that match its industrial significance and development potential. It also appealed to the media to highlight the issue in the larger public interest.

The Karnataka State Farmers’ Association on Wednesday staged a sit-in protest outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office, demanding higher compensation for agricultural land acquired for the Dharwad–Belagavi railway line and justice for affected farmers.

Association president Pujari alleged that the issue has remained unresolved since the tenure of late MP Suresh Angadi and accused the government and railway authorities of adopting a discriminatory approach towards compensation.

The association said the acquired land falls within the fertile Malaprabha river basin and sought compensation of at least ₹3 crore per acre, arguing that the amount would enable farmers to purchase alternative agricultural land. Protesters claimed that farmers in the Bidadi region have received compensation of up to ₹3 crore per acre, while those in Belagavi district have been treated unfairly.

The farmers also demanded that one member from every affected family be provided employment in the Railways or another government department.

Warning of an intensified agitation if their demands are ignored, the association urged the district administration to take up the matter with the railway authorities and ensure a fair resolution.

Among those who participated in the protest were Prakash Naik, Kishan Nandi, Prem Chougala, Padigouda Bagewadi, Javed Mulla, Maruti Lokur, Parashuram Jadhav, along with several office-bearers and farmers.

The implementation of the CITIIS 2.0 project in Belagavi has suffered another setback, as the Central Government has rejected three key projects included in the final proposal prepared by the Smart City Department. The decision is expected to delay further the rollout of the urban infrastructure and solid waste management scheme.

The issue came up for discussion during a review meeting held on Monday, attended by Municipal Commissioner Kartik M., Smart City Managing Director Kavita Warangal, Superintending Engineer Lakshmi Nipanikar, Assistant Executive Engineer Hanmant Kaladgi, and other officials.

During the meeting, officials confirmed that three projects included in the CITIIS 2.0 proposal were not approved by the Centre. As a result, the Smart City Department has asked the Belagavi City Corporation to identify and propose three alternative projects based on the city’s current requirements.

Once the Municipal Corporation finalises the replacement projects, they will be incorporated into a revised CITIIS 2.0 proposal. The updated plan will then be routed through the Karnataka Government before being resubmitted to the Central Government for approval.

The latest development is likely to push back the implementation timeline of CITIIS 2.0, which has already witnessed delays over funding approvals and project finalisation.

Earlier, the Belagavi City Corporation had begun groundwork for the scheme by identifying sites for three Secondary Transport Stations (STS), a key component of the city’s proposed scientific solid waste management system. The Corporation had also approved its financial contribution to the project and submitted the final blueprint for approval. However, with the rejection of three projects by the Centre, the plan will now have to be revised before implementation can move forward.

With river levels rising steadily following heavy rainfall across Belagavi district and neighbouring Maharashtra, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan has directed all departments to prepare for possible flood situations and ensure emergency response mechanisms are in place.

Chairing a meeting of the District Disaster Management Authority on Tuesday, the Deputy Commissioner said continuous rainfall over the past three days in nine taluks of Belagavi district and upstream catchment areas in Maharashtra has significantly increased inflows into the Krishna, Doodhganga, Vedganga, Ghataprabha, Malaprabha, Hiranyakeshi and Markandeya rivers.

He warned that villages along riverbanks could face flooding if water levels continue to rise and instructed officials to remain on high alert.

Ten low-lying bridges in Chikkodi, Nippani, Gokak and Bailhongal taluks remain submerged, disrupting traffic and cutting off connectivity to several villages.

Meanwhile, residents of Kongla, Pastoli, Gavaali and other villages in Khanapur taluk continue to rely on makeshift wooden plank and rope bridges to cross the Banduri Nallah and other streams in the Western Ghats region.

The Deputy Commissioner directed officials to:

• Open flood control helpline centres at both district and taluk levels.
• Restrict movement of people and livestock on vulnerable bridges that may be at risk of collapse.
• Ensure police coordinate with other departments to close unsafe routes.
• Keep SDRF and Fire & Emergency Services teams on standby round the clock.
• Arrange boats for evacuation of residents from flood-prone villages if required.
• Ensure Tahsildars remain in constant coordination with SDRF teams and report emergencies immediately.
• Carry out urgent repairs to damaged electricity poles, transformers and power lines in rural areas.

The district administration has identified 397 relief centres for evacuation and 129 cattle camps for livestock in the event of flooding.

A total of 41 rescue boats have been kept ready, including:

• 5 boats with the SDRF,
• 9 with the Fire and Emergency Services Department, and
• 27 with various taluk administrations.

Officials have been asked to inspect all relief centres and ensure they are equipped with essential facilities.

The Deputy Commissioner also instructed officials to identify dilapidated houses and shift residents to safer locations if rainfall intensifies. Surveys of partially and fully damaged houses are to be conducted, while adequate fodder supplies for livestock must be maintained.

Health officials have been asked to stock essential medicines, monitor the risk of water-borne and infectious diseases, prepare reports on dengue testing, and ensure unsafe drinking water sources are closed to prevent disease outbreaks.

Belagavi, July 6: Owing to continuous heavy rainfall across the region, the district administration has declared a holiday on Tuesday (July 7) for all Anganwadi centres, primary and high schools, and Pre-University (Class 12) colleges in both urban and rural areas of Belagavi and Khanapur taluks.

Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan issued the order as a precautionary measure in view of the prevailing weather conditions and ongoing heavy rains.

With heavy rain continuing across Belagavi district, the district administration has temporarily closed forest routes leading to several popular waterfalls and prohibited tourist entry as a safety precaution.

Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan said the decision was taken as water levels in rivers and streams continue to rise rapidly following widespread rainfall across the district.

The administration has urged residents and visitors to stay away from riverbanks and avoid attempting selfies, social media reels or any adventure activities near waterfalls during the monsoon.

Entry to Popular Waterfalls Suspended

As a precaution, forest access to the following waterfalls has been closed until further notice:

• Chikale Falls
• Parwad Falls
• Vajrapoha Falls
• Delta Falls

Tourists have been asked not to attempt entry through forest routes or restricted areas.

Guided Tourism Plan on the Anvil

The district administration is preparing a framework to introduce safer and regulated tourism at major waterfalls. DC Roshan said discussions are underway with the Forest Department and the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) to develop guidelines that could allow visitors through guided tours or limited batches.

The proposed roadmap is expected to be finalised within the next 10 to 20 days.

‘Follow Rules or Restrictions Will Continue’

Referring to last year’s monsoon season, the DC said several visitors crossed safety barricades at waterfalls, including Gokak Falls, to shoot social media reels and perform dangerous stunts, compromising public safety.

He said tourist destinations can remain open only if visitors respect safety regulations. Continued violations could force authorities to impose stricter restrictions in the interest of public safety.

200–400 mm Rain in Several Taluks

Over the past 24 to 48 hours, parts of Athani, Chikkodi, Hukkeri, Raibag, Saundatti, Kittur, Nippani and Kagwad have recorded between 200 mm and 400 mm of rainfall, resulting in damage at several locations.

Authorities have also pointed to increased inflows into the Krishna River due to rainfall in Maharashtra and upstream areas. Water from the Dudhganga and Vedganga rivers is also flowing into the Hippargi Reservoir, leading to a steady rise in water levels.

Despite repeated warnings and restrictions, tourists continue to use the railway tracks to reach Dudhsagar Falls. On Sunday, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) caught 32 people illegally trekking through the railway corridor and imposed fines amounting to ₹16,000.

The action was part of a special weekend enforcement drive carried out by the RPF under the Hubballi Division. A team led by the RPF Sub-Inspector from Castle Rock conducted surprise checks on the railway stretch between Dudhsagar (DDS) and Sonalium (LIM) stations.

Officials found the tourists trespassing on the railway tracks after entering through forest routes to access the waterfall. Each violator was fined ₹500.

The railway route to Dudhsagar Falls has been closed to the public for safety reasons. However, every monsoon, visitors continue to ignore the restrictions, risking their own lives while also creating safety concerns for train operations on this busy ghat section.

South Western Railway has once again appealed to tourists not to enter the prohibited railway corridor and warned that enforcement drives will continue throughout the monsoon. Authorities have urged visitors to use only authorised routes and avoid illegal trekking along the tracks.

Dudhsagar Falls, located on the Karnataka–Goa border near Castle Rock, draws large crowds during the rainy season. With footfall increasing every weekend, railway authorities have intensified surveillance to curb trespassing and prevent accid

If a Booth Level Officer (BLO) visits your home, don’t ignore the visit.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched the House-to-House Enumeration phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026 of electoral rolls across Karnataka. The exercise will be conducted from June 30 to July 29, 2026, covering more than 5.54 crore electors across the state.

The objective of the Special Intensive Revision is to ensure that every eligible voter is included in the electoral roll while keeping the rolls accurate, complete and up to date.

What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?

SIR is a special voter verification exercise in which Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will visit every household in their assigned polling area to distribute Enumeration Forms to electors whose names appear in the electoral roll as on June 16, 2026.

Unlike regular voter registration or correction drives, no documents will be collected during this house-to-house enumeration phase.

Step-by-Step: What Every Voter Should Do

Step 1: Receive the Enumeration Form

A Booth Level Officer will visit your home and hand over an Enumeration Form if your name is already on the electoral roll as of June 16, 2026.

Step 2: Fill in the Details

Verify your personal details, complete the Enumeration Form carefully and sign it.

Where to find 2002 Voters Details
https://voters.eci.gov.in/searchInSIR/S2UA4DPDF-JK4QWODSE

Step 3: Submit the Form

Return the completed form to the BLO when they revisit your home. To ensure no voter is left out, BLOs will make up to three visits, wherever necessary, to collect the completed forms.

Step 4: Submit Online if You Prefer

From June 30, voters can also fill and submit the Enumeration Form online through:

– https://voters.eci.gov.in/
– ECINET mobile application

Many people are getting stuck while filling the SIR form because they cannot find their 2002 voter details. Here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Search your name here:
ECI SIR 2026 – Search Your Name in Last SIR – https://voters.eci.gov.in/searchInSIR/S2UA4DPDF-JK4QWODSE
Important:
• In 2002, many Assembly Constituencies had different names, such as Belgaum, Bagewadi, and Uchgaon. Select the constituency that existed then.
• Enter your Elector Name.
• If you don’t get a result, try entering only your first name and the first 4–5 letters of your surname. Old voter lists often have spelling mistakes.
• Enter the captcha and click Search.
Still can’t find your name?
Go to the Karnataka CEO voter list:
Karnataka CEO Voter List Portal – https://ceo.karnataka.gov.in/voter_list/en
• Select the correct Assembly Constituency.
• Find your Part Number (this is your polling booth).
• Download the PDF voter list.
• Search the PDF manually for your name.
This usually helps when an online search returns no results.

What Do the Stickers on Houses Mean?

During the survey, BLOs will paste coloured stickers on houses:

– Violet square sticker: The Enumeration Form has been delivered.
– Red round sticker: The house was found locked or closed during the BLO’s visit.

Important: Don’t Miss the Deadline

The Election Commission has made it clear that only electors who submit their duly completed Enumeration Form within the prescribed period will be included in the Draft Electoral Roll.

If the Enumeration Form is not received, the elector’s name will not be included in the Draft Electoral Roll.

All completed forms will be digitised by the Election Commission after collection.

What if You Have Just Become Eligible to Vote?

Citizens who have recently turned 18 or have otherwise become eligible to vote can apply for inclusion in the electoral roll by submitting Form 6 along with the prescribed declaration, as per the ECI’s instructions.

What if your name is NOT found in the 2002 voter list while filling the SIR form?

Many people have asked this question. Here is exactly what the current process says:

1. Check if a family member’s details can be used

In Part 2 of the SIR Enumeration Form, you can link yourself to a close relative whose name appeared in the 2002 Karnataka electoral roll.

This includes:

• Father
• Mother
• Spouse (if you moved to Belagavi after marriage)
• In-laws (tied to your spouse’s 2002 family records)

2. If no 2002 match is found

Do not panic. If your details or family linkages cannot be mapped to the 2002 roll, you will be marked as “Unmapped.” This does not mean your name is automatically deleted.

3. What happens next?

• Draft Roll Publication: The Draft Electoral Roll comes out on 5 August 2026.
• Official Notices: After this date, the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) will issue official notices to unmapped voters.
• Opportunity to Prove Eligibility: This notice gives you a formal chance to establish your legal voting status.

4. Documents you will need later

Crucial Rule: Do not hand over any document photocopies to your Booth Level Officer (BLO) during the current house-to-house phase. No physical documents are collected right now.

Only after you receive the official post-August 5 ERO notice should you submit proof of your local residence, such as:

• Aadhaar Card
• Standard Address Proof (Electricity bill, bank passbook, etc.)
• Permanent Residence Certificate (Obtained online or offline)
• Any other document officially prescribed by the Election Commission
  

First-time voter

To register as a first-time voter during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026, you must submit Form 6 on the official Election Commission of India (ECI) Voter Service Portal. Since you have just turned 18, you are fully eligible to enroll as a new elector.

1. Register Online via ECI Portal –

• Visit the Portal: Open the official ECI Citizen Service Portal. – https://voters.eci.gov.in/
• Select Form 6: Click on New Voter Registration (Form 6).
• Create an Account: Sign up using your mobile number and email ID to log in.
• Fill in Details: Enter your state, district, assembly constituency, and exact personal details.
• Upload Documents: Submit a recent passport-sized photograph, age proof (like your Matriculation certificate or Birth Certificate), and current address proof.
• Submit the Form: Review your entries and click submit to generate a reference tracking ID.

2. Register via the Mobile App

• Download the App: Install the official Voter Helpline App or ECINET from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
• Navigate to Forms: Open the app menu and select Voter Registration Forms.
• Complete Form 6: Fill out your digital Form 6, upload necessary documents directly from your phone camera, and submit.

3. Register Offline via Your Local BLO

• Wait for a Visit: As part of the active door-to-door SIR enumeration phase, a Booth Level Officer (BLO) will visit your house.
• Request Form 6: Ask the visiting BLO for a physical copy of Form 6 for fresh registration.
• Submit Locally: Fill out the form, attach self-attested photocopies of your age and residence proof, and hand it back to the officer.

The Bottom Line

Not finding your 2002 details today is not the end of the process. The Election Commission has built a dedicated verification stage after the draft roll specifically to protect and validate your voting rights.

Important Dates

– June 30, 2026: House-to-house enumeration begins and online submission of Enumeration Forms starts.
– July 29, 2026: House-to-house enumeration and collection of forms conclude.
– October 7, 2026: Final Electoral Roll to be published.

The Election Commission describes the Special Intensive Revision as a participative, transparent and citizen-centric exercise. Voters are advised to cooperate with Booth Level Officers and submit their Enumeration Forms within the stipulated period to ensure their names are included in the Draft Electoral Roll and subsequently in the final electoral roll.