Ministry of Railways · Minister of State since June 2024
Railways
A national network under continuous construction, with a Minister of State working alongside the Minister of Railways.
V. Somanna took office at Rail Bhawan on 11 June 2024. This page sets out the context of Indian Railways: its infrastructure, safety systems, passenger services and operations. It then lists, separately and with sources, the railway engagements in which official records and reports name him.
The national figures below describe the Ministry of Railways as a whole. They are not attributed to any individual.
Railway infrastructure
Indian Railways is owned and run by the Government of India through the Ministry of Railways and the Railway Board, and operates through zonal railways and their divisions. Much of its capital work today is new lines, gauge conversion, doubling and multi-tracking, electrification and station redevelopment. According to the Ministry’s Year End Review 2025, about 99.2% of the broad-gauge network is now electrified.
Station redevelopment is organised under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, which has identified 1,337 stations for phased upgrading. The Ministry reported 155 of them fully modernised by December 2025.
Documented: project reviews in Karnataka
In October 2024 he chaired reviews in Tumakuru, Chitradurga, Davangere and at SWR headquarters in Hubballi. They covered land acquisition and progress on new line and doubling projects (PIB, 2 and 5 Oct 2024).
Documented: a new line section opened
On 15 May 2025 he dedicated the 56 km Gadag (Talakal)–Kushtagi section and laid the foundation for the 81 km Sindhanur–Raichur line (PIB, 15 May 2025).
Safety
Level crossings, where roads meet the railway at grade, are among the best-known safety risks on any network. Indian Railways’ long-running approach is to eliminate them: by closing them, merging them, or replacing them with Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and Road Under Bridges (RUBs). According to the Ministry, 13,653 ROBs and RUBs were built between 2014 and October 2025, against 4,148 in 2004–14. In 2025 alone, 1,161 were built.
Alongside civil works, the Ministry is deploying Kavach, an indigenous automatic train-protection system, together with electronic interlocking and remote monitoring. The Year End Review 2025 reported Kavach version 4.0 commissioned on 738 route kilometres at that time.
Documented: Bengaluru ROB/RUB review
On 29 August 2025 he chaired a coordination meeting in Bengaluru on road over and under bridges, with MPs and railway, state and traffic police officials (PIB).
Documented: level crossings replaced
He opened RUBs replacing level crossings at Challaghatta, Bengaluru (July 2025) and at Bandihalli, Donnere and Badenahalli in Tumakuru district (Feb 2026). He also laid foundation stones for further ROB/RUB works (PIB).
Passenger connectivity
For passengers, connectivity comes down to where trains stop, how often they run and how stations serve them. New halts, extended routes and upgraded stations are among the most visible changes in a region. The Ministry reported 164 Vande Bharat services in operation at the end of 2025.
New stoppages
He flagged off services with new halts: the Dharwad–KSR Bengaluru Vande Bharat at Tumakuru (Aug 2024), Yeshwantpur–Chikkamagaluru at Nittur (Apr 2025) and Hubballi–Dadar at Khanapur (Sept 2025).
Extensions and new services
He flagged off the extension of the KSR Bengaluru–SSS Hubballi train to Sindhanur (July 2025) and the new Kushtagi–Hubballi service on the Gadag–Kushtagi section (May 2025).
Bengaluru & Karnataka
In Karnataka, most railway work comes under South Western Railway, headquartered in Hubballi. Several projects run through Tumakuru district, part of which he represents in the Lok Sabha. They include the Tumakuru–Chitradurga–Davangere and Tumakuru–Rayadurga new lines. Around the capital, the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project is a joint undertaking of the Government of India and the Government of Karnataka.
According to the Ministry’s Budget 2026-27 briefing, in which he took part with the Minister of Railways, Karnataka’s railway allocation for 2026-27 is ₹7,748 crore, against an average of ₹835 crore a year in 2009–14. Works worth about ₹52,950 crore are in progress in the state.
Documented: Bengaluru Suburban Rail
On 9 September 2024 he reviewed the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project with a Karnataka state minister, and inspected the Rail Wheel Factory at Yelahanka (PIB).
Documented: Tumakuru new lines
He inspected works at Thimmarajanahalli on the Tumakuru–Chitradurga–Davangere line (May 2025, PIB). News reports record a further review of the Tumakuru lines in Bengaluru in June 2026.
Operations
Each railway division runs a control office, its nerve centre. There, train running, maintenance blocks, safety supervision and responses to disruption are monitored round the clock. Section controllers manage train movement over stretches of line, while specialist desks look after engineering, coaching, goods, commercial matters, signal and telecommunication, traction and security. Punctuality, the upkeep of track and rolling stock, and the handling of passengers’ complaints all run through this structure.
Documented: Delhi Division Control Office
On 9 September 2026 he reviewed safety, operations, punctuality and public-grievance mechanisms at Northern Railway’s Delhi Division Control Office. He visited the control desks and discussed technology adoption and staff working conditions with the Divisional Railway Manager (ANI; Deccan Herald).
Documented: production units and field inspections
He visited Banaras Locomotive Works (Jan 2025). He inspected railway arrangements for the Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj (Jan 2025), and stations and the railway hospital at Thiruvananthapuram (Feb 2025) (PIB).
Documented ministerial engagements
Each entry records a documented activity: a review, inspection, flag-off or foundation-stone laying. None of them should be read as evidence of wider outcomes unless the outcome is separately documented. Items drawn from news reports rather than official releases are labelled.
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Platform 239 Sep 2026
Reviews safety, operations, punctuality and public grievances at Delhi Division Control Office
Observed the work of section controllers and the engineering, coaching, goods, commercial, signal & telecom, traction and security control desks. He held discussions with the Divisional Railway Manager on technology adoption, staff working conditions and grievance redressal.
- Place
- Delhi Division Control Office, New Delhi
- Institution
- Northern Railway
- Role
- Review
Source: ANI; also reported by Deccan Herald (opens in a new tab) News report
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Platform 228 Jun 2026
Reviews Tumakuru new lines and ROB/RUB works
News reports record a review at the Chief Administrative Officer (Construction) office covering the Tumakuru–Davanagere and Tumakuru–Rayadurga new lines and ROB/RUB works in the Tumakuru–Yesvantpur section.
- Place
- Bengaluru Cantonment
- Institution
- South Western Railway (Construction)
- Role
- Chair
Source: Impressive Times (news report) (opens in a new tab) News report
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Platform 2131 May 2026
ROB foundation stone; new Channarayapatna halt for Hassan–Solapur train
According to news reports, he laid foundation stones for a road over bridge at level crossing 138 and a pedestrian subway. He also flagged off the Hassan–Solapur Express (11312) with a new stoppage at Channarayapatna.
- Place
- Ajjampura, Birur and Channarayapatna, Karnataka
- Institution
- South Western Railway
- Role
- Chief guest
Source: The Bengaluru Live (news report) (opens in a new tab) News report
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Platform 2025 Feb 2026
Opens three road under bridges replacing level crossings
Inaugurated road under bridges at Bandihalli, Donnere and Badenahalli, which replaced level crossings 60, 61 and 64.
- Place
- Tumakuru district
- Institution
- South Western Railway
- Role
- Chief guest
Source: PIB, PRID 2232842 (opens in a new tab) PIB
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Platform 1923 Feb 2026
Launches “Karnataka Bharat Gaurav Train: Journey of a Thousand Shrines”
Released a coffee-table book documenting the Karnataka Bharat Gaurav tourist train.
- Place
- Rail Bhawan, New Delhi
- Institution
- Ministry of Railways
- Role
- Released the publication
Source: PIB, PRID 2232731 (opens in a new tab) PIB
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Platform 182 Feb 2026
Union Budget 2026-27: briefing on railway allocation for Karnataka
Briefed the media with the Minister of Railways on the 2026-27 allocation for Karnataka: ₹7,748 crore, against an average of ₹835 crore a year in 2009–14. About ₹52,950 crore of works are in progress in the state.
- Place
- Video conference, New Delhi
- Institution
- Ministry of Railways
- Role
- Co-briefer
Source: PIB, PRID 2222361 (opens in a new tab) PIB
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Platform 1715 Sep 2025
RUB foundation stones; new Khanapur halt for Hubballi–Dadar train
Laid foundation stones for RUBs at level crossings 380 and 360 and for passenger amenities at Khanapur station, and flagged off the Hubballi–Dadar Express (17317) with a new Khanapur stoppage.
- Place
- Belagavi and Khanapur, Karnataka
- Institution
- South Western Railway
- Role
- Chief guest
Source: PIB, PRID 2170275 (opens in a new tab) PIB
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Platform 1629 Aug 2025
Chairs Bengaluru-region review of road over and under bridges
Chaired a coordination meeting with Bengaluru MPs and railway, state and police officials on ROB and RUB works. The release notes about 75 ROB/RUBs built in the region between 2014 and 2025, and 39 more level crossings planned for replacement.
- Place
- Kumara Krupa Guest House, Bengaluru
- Institution
- Railways, Government of Karnataka and Bengaluru Traffic Police
- Role
- Chair
Source: PIB, PRID 2162413 (opens in a new tab) PIB
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Platform 1513 Jul 2025
Opens road under bridge at Challaghatta; foundation at Ramohalli
Opened the road under bridge replacing level crossing no. 15 at Challaghatta, and laid the foundation stone for the RUB at level crossing no. 16 at Ramohalli.
- Place
- Kengeri–Hejjala section, Bengaluru
- Institution
- South Western Railway
- Role
- Chief guest
Source: PIB, PRID 2144383 (opens in a new tab) PIB
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Platform 1412 Jul 2025
Flags off extension of Bengaluru–Hubballi train to Sindhanur
Flagged off the extension of the KSR Bengaluru–SSS Hubballi train (17391/92) to Sindhanur.
- Place
- Sindhanur, Karnataka
- Institution
- South Western Railway
- Role
- Chief guest
Source: PIB, PRID 2144371 (opens in a new tab) PIB
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Platform 1317 May 2025
Site inspection on the Tumakuru–Chitradurga–Davangere line
Inspected yard and goods-shed works on the Tumakuru–Chitradurga–Davangere new line.
- Place
- Thimmarajanahalli, Tumakuru district
- Institution
- South Western Railway
- Role
- Inspection
Source: PIB, PRID 2129365 (opens in a new tab) PIB
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Platform 1215 May 2025
Opens Gadag (Talakal)–Kushtagi line; foundation for Sindhanur–Raichur
Dedicated the 56 km Gadag (Talakal)–Kushtagi new line section and flagged off the Kushtagi–SSS Hubballi train (17328). He also laid the foundation for the 81 km Sindhanur–Raichur new line.
- Place
- Kushtagi and Sindhanur, Karnataka
- Institution
- South Western Railway
- Role
- Chief guest
Source: PIB, PRID 2128944 (opens in a new tab) PIB
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Platform 1110 Apr 2025
Flags off train with new Nittur halt; ROB foundation stones
Flagged off the Yeshwantpur–Chikkamagaluru Express (16240) with a new stoppage at Nittur, and laid foundation stones for two road over bridges.
- Place
- Nittur and Tiptur, Tumakuru district
- Institution
- South Western Railway
- Role
- Chief guest
Source: PIB, PRID 2120882 (opens in a new tab) PIB
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Platform 1019 Feb 2025
Inspects stations, railway hospital and a Vande Bharat rake
Inspected Thiruvananthapuram Central and Thiruvananthapuram South (Nemom) stations, the Divisional Railway Hospital and a Vande Bharat train.
- Place
- Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
- Institution
- Southern Railway
- Role
- Inspection
Source: PIB, PRID 2104714 (opens in a new tab) PIB
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Platform 0924 Jan 2025
Visits Banaras Locomotive Works
Toured the loco frame, assembly and testing shops of the locomotive manufacturing unit.
- Place
- Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Institution
- Banaras Locomotive Works
- Role
- Inspection
Source: PIB, PRID 2095989 (opens in a new tab) PIB
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Platform 0823 Jan 2025
Inspects railway arrangements for Maha Kumbh
On a two-day visit, inspected the railway arrangements and Mela camps set up for pilgrims at the Maha Kumbh.
- Place
- Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
- Institution
- North Central Railway
- Role
- Inspection
Source: PIB, PRID 2095580 (opens in a new tab) PIB
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Platform 0713 Dec 2024
Lays Ministry of Railways papers on the Table
Laid Ministry of Railways notifications on the Table of the House, including Railway Claims Tribunal recruitment rules and Rail Land Development Authority regulations, along with reports of railway public sector undertakings.
- Place
- Rajya Sabha
- Institution
- Parliament of India
- Role
- Minister of State (Railways)
Source: Rajya Sabha, Official Debates, 13 Dec 2024 (opens in a new tab) Parliament
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Platform 065 Oct 2024
Reviews railway projects in Karnataka with railway and district officials
Reviewed about 13 new line and doubling projects in Karnataka with railway and district officials. The release records a target of completion by June 2027.
- Place
- SWR Headquarters, Hubballi
- Institution
- South Western Railway
- Role
- Chair
Source: PIB, PRID 2062315 (opens in a new tab) PIB
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Platform 052 Oct 2024
Reviews Tumakuru–Rayadurga and Tumakuru–Chitradurga–Davangere lines
Held meetings with local MPs, MLAs, railway and district officials to review land acquisition and progress on the Tumakuru–Rayadurga and Tumakuru–Chitradurga–Davangere new line projects.
- Place
- Tumakuru, Chitradurga and Davangere
- Institution
- Ministry of Railways with district administrations
- Role
- Chair
Source: PIB, PRID 2061283 (opens in a new tab) PIB
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Platform 0427 Sep 2024
Reviews Mysuru Division works; station upgrades under Amrit Bharat scheme
During a review of Mysuru Division works he said that 15 stations in the division would be upgraded under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme at an estimated ₹385 crore.
- Place
- Shivamogga, Karnataka
- Institution
- Mysuru Division, South Western Railway
- Role
- Review
Source: All India Radio News (opens in a new tab) Public broadcaster
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Platform 039 Sep 2024
Inspects Rail Wheel Factory; reviews Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project
Inspected the forging, axle and wheel units of the Rail Wheel Factory at Yelahanka, and reviewed the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project together with a Karnataka state minister.
- Place
- Yelahanka, Bengaluru
- Institution
- Rail Wheel Factory; Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project
- Role
- Inspection and review
Source: PIB, PRID 2053277 (opens in a new tab) PIB
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Platform 0223 Aug 2024
Flags off Vande Bharat service with new Tumakuru stoppage
Flagged off the Dharwad–KSR Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express (20661/20662) with its newly introduced stoppage at Tumakuru, effective from 24 August 2024.
- Place
- Tumakuru railway station
- Institution
- South Western Railway
- Role
- Chief guest
Source: PIB, PRID 2048262 (opens in a new tab) PIB
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Platform 0111 Jun 2024
Assumes office as Minister of State for Railways
Assumed office as Minister of State for Railways at Rail Bhawan, where the Chairman & CEO of the Railway Board received him. The PIB release records that he pledged to carry forward the growth momentum of the railways alongside the Minister of Railways.
- Place
- Rail Bhawan, New Delhi
- Institution
- Ministry of Railways
- Role
- Minister of State
Source: PIB, PRID 2024143 (opens in a new tab) PIB
Context sources
- Ministry of Railways, Year End Review 2025 (PIB, 28 Dec 2025): PRID 2209199
- ROB/RUB construction 2004–2025 (PIB, Dec 2025): PRID 2201554
- Budget 2026-27 briefing on Karnataka (PIB, 2 Feb 2026): PRID 2222361
- Delhi Division Control Office review (9 Sep 2026): Deccan Herald, ANI