This is how long distance rail routes must be developed; the line must connect 2 major cities through all the possible smaller towns en route and yet, remain straight so that the commuting time between them is minimum. This line, along with Talaguppa - Honnavar, would transform Shimoga into a transit and an economic hub.
This new line is carefully planned to avoid forest area. I have seen Hangal, Tadas, Mundgod and Bankapur. Between Mundgod and Sirsi there is forest cover as you can see in the below satellite image and it has been avoided. Also, I guess it will go from Hangal to Tadas(very close to NH-4) via Konankeri which is equi-distant to both Mundgod(A Taluk place which is midpoint between...
more... Sirsi and Hubli) and Bankapura(A historical place which is just 2.5 km from NH-4).
Drew a map(dont know the exact alignment) for the line to link Shimoga with Hubli, via Shikaripur, Hanagal and Tadasa. It is good to have this line and drop Shikaripura-Ranebennur line. Some smaller places(see map) will get benefited from it.
Originally Posted by tejaswi.bgl