Bengaluru: The Hassan-Bengaluru railway line will become operational by June this year. The project was scheduled for completion by March this year.

The early completion of the rail line has been necessitated by the Mahamastakabhisheka that will be held in 2018. Mahamastakabhisheka is held once in 12 years only. “Railway connectivity helps visitors go to Shravanabelagola during the programme from across the country and abroad. For many years, the people of Hassan have been waiting for this railway line,” A Manju, Minister in-charge of Hassan district, told newsmen.

The State government had sanctioned Rs 25 crore for upgrading the Hassan-Duda- Tiptur Road. “This road has been in a bad state for several years. Last year, temporary repair work was carried out to make it motorable. Now, the Government has allocated funds for upgrading it,” the Minister said. Residents of Hassan villages had staged protests to get the road improved.