Bengaluru: Karnataka is planning to rename Vijayapura, Belagavi, Bidar and Shivamogga railway stations after prominent saints.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Karnataka Minister M B Patil said that the proposed renaming is “in accordance with local cultural significance.”

Patil informed that the recommendation has been forwarded to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for approval.

It is proposed that Vijayapura Railway Station be renamed Jnana Yogi Sri Siddeshwara Swamiji Railway Station, Belagavi Station as Sri Basava Mahaswamiji Railway Station, Bidar Station as Channabasava Pattadevaru Railway Station, and Sooragondanakoppa Station as Bhayagada Railway Station. All four railway stations come under the jurisdiction of the Hubballi Division of South Western Railway.

Patil emphasised that the saints proposed for the honour have made “significant contributions to these regions of Karnataka,” and urged the Centre “to approve the renaming and notify it in the official gazette at the earliest.”

“Accordingly, the Infrastructure Department has sent the official communication,” he added.