Madikeri: The long awaited demand of rail connectivity to Kodagu may be a reality. The rail link to Kodagu is listed in the Railway Budget under “New Line” at an estimated cost of Rs. 667 crore.

Though there were uncertainties over its feasibility in the initial stages, the project has inched towards implementation and the allocation will be under the Extra Budgetary Resources (EBR).

The alignment of the new line to Kushalnagar will include Belagola, Hunsur and Periyapatna.

Mysuru MP Pratap Simha has said that the project, when materialised would not only give a boost to tourism but also boost the socio-economic development of the region. He expressed optimism that physical work on the 85-km stretch would commence this year.

Incidentally, the project was shelved by the Indian Railways as it was perceived to be economically unviable.

But with the State government evincing interest in it and promising land besides sharing the cost, the project was revived.