Belagavi: The proposed Belagavi–Kittur–Dharwad railway line is likely to face further delays owing to incomplete land acquisition. Though 1,430 acres have been identified for the project, compensation is yet to be fully released by the state govt and the land has not been handed over to the Railways. Belagavi MP Jagadish Shettar said the delay could continue unless the issue is resolved soon.The project envisages a 73-km railway line with 11 stations — Desur, Kanvikurvinkoppa, Bagewadi, Mugatkhan Hubli, Hulikatti, Kittur, Teguru and Mummigatti. The state government has committed to provide land free of cost and share the construction cost, considering the upcoming Belagavi–Kittur–Dharwad industrial corridor. The project is a 50:50 joint venture between the ministry of railways and the Karnataka govt.The railway line is aimed at improving connectivity between major cities in north Karnataka and reducing dependence on the existing longer route via Londa Junction. Initially pushed by former Union railway minister Suresh Angadi, the project is considered a long-pending, high-priority requirement for the region’s economic growth.According to the Belagavi district administration, compensation for land acquisition has been released to the villagers concerned.Belagavi Lok Sabha member and former chief minister Jagadish Shettar on Monday held a meeting with South Western Railway (SWR) officials to review the progress of the proposed railway works. SWR general manager K Ananth and other senior officials attended the meeting.During the meeting, SWR officials pointed out that the land required for the new railway line has not yet been handed over, leading to delays in project implementation.Shettar said the issue had already been taken up with the Belagavi deputy commissioner. While around 1,430 acres have been identified, compensation has not been fully disbursed and the land has not been transferred to the railway department. Officials were asked to take up the matter with the state government.District officials said compensation is being distributed, but a few farmers have approached courts seeking higher compensation. Manjunath Kanmadi, chief PRO of SWR, said work would begin once at least 95% of the land is handed over.The Belagavi–Dharwad rail line is a crucial project, expected to reduce travel time, boost industry and offer environmental benefits. The route could also facilitate major train services, including a proposed Vande Bharat service between Mumbai and Bengaluru.