Union Minister of State for Railways V Somanna inaugurated the Kushtagi–Talakal section of the Gadag–Wadi railway line on 15 May, 2025, fulfilling a long-standing requirement of Kushtagi, Yelburga, and Kukanoor taluks in Koppal district of Karnataka. 

The 56-km stretch, part of a broader railway expansion, connects Linganabandi, Hanumapur, Yelburga, Sanganal, Kukanoor, and Talakal, and is expected to significantly improve connectivity and boost economic activity in the region. The Minister also flagged off the first daily passenger train between Kushtagi and Hubballi.

The Minister highlighted key developments such as the deployment of the Kavach safety system in Vande Bharat trains and creation of five lakh railway work opportunities from 2014 to 2024. He urged the Karnataka government to release the pending Rs 837 crore out of Rs 1,386 crore allocated for the Gadag–Wadi line.

Local MLAs also presented proposals for new lines and services, including a direct Kushtagi–Bengaluru train and a Daroji–Bagalkot link, marking the inauguration.