Land row chokes access to railway station in Haveri

Haveri: The Shri Mahadevappa Mailara Railway Station in Haveri is caught in a land ownership dispute that has restricted access to its main entrance and stalled renovation work for several months, prompting members of the Mailara Mahadeva National Memorial Trust to urge South Western Railway (SWR) authorities to intervene and resolve the issue at the earliest.

Dr Sanjay Magavi has claimed ownership of 23 guntas of land near the station entrance and alleged that SWR has been using the property without compensation for over 100 years. The dispute has raised concerns among commuters and local residents, while development works at the station remain on hold pending resolution of the ownership issue.

Railway authorities are expected to examine the claims and explore options to restore access and resume delayed infrastructure upgrades. The station is in poor condition, lacking proper parking and a functional entrance, forcing commuters to struggle for the last 20 months.

Meanwhile, Abdul Hubballi, a member of the Mailara Mahadeva National Memorial Trust, wrote to SWR authorities seeking an early resolution. In his letter, he said the prolonged halt in construction has caused severe inconvenience to passengers. With no proper entry and exit, commuters are facing difficulties, while the lack of parking has led to congestion and hardship. “Incomplete infrastructure is raising safety concerns and affecting daily commuters, and the condition of the station does not reflect the legacy of the freedom fighter it is named after,” he said.

He added that naming the station after Shri Mahadevappa Mailara is a matter of pride for Haveri residents, and it is the collective responsibility to ensure the station reflects dignity, respect and proper development. “The present neglected condition does not do justice to his memory,” he said, demanding proper access roads, parking and basic passenger amenities.

Dr Magavi said that following a high court direction, the assistant director for land records confirmed SWR’s encroachment. “I have documents dating back to 1932, but on humanitarian grounds, I am allowing passengers to pass through my property. I will stop access if the railway authorities do not respond,” he warned.

When contacted, Pruthvi S Hullatti, divisional finance manager and PRO, Mysuru division, said he would respond after consulting his seniors.