Movie Shoot Canceled Train Stop for 20 Years

In 2006, the filming of the Bollywood movie 'Guru' in Bhanapur, Koppal district, led to the cancellation of the Amaravati Express train's stoppage. This decision, initially intended to be temporary for a week to facilitate the shooting, has persisted for over two decades, significantly impacting residents of Bhanapur and more than 50 nearby villages.

Bhanapur, now a growing suburban center and a crucial transit point for regional travel, has seen its demand for train services increase. Residents have actively petitioned local authorities and the South Western Railway (SWR) for the reinstatement of the stoppage, highlighting Bhanapur's historical significance and its emergence as an educational and industrial hub. Despite these efforts, SWR's railway board has classified the Bhanapur stop as uneconomic, disregarding the film shoot's role in its initial removal.

Locals recall the inconvenience caused by the lack of a crucial train stop, particularly for express trains like the Haripriya and Karnataka Sampark Kranti. The situation is exacerbated by limited train availability during specific daytime hours. While the railway board maintains the decision is purely economic and unrelated to the film shoot, residents continue to advocate for improved connectivity at Bhanapur railway station.