Kushtagi

Kushtagi is a panchayat town in Koppal district in the Indian state of Karnataka. Kushtagi is a taluk center of Koppal district. This taluk has a population of 353,142 as per the 2021 census estimate. In this taluk, pomegranate fruits are popularly grown.There is a Durga devi temple in heart of the town. To its North lies Ilkal, Gajendragad to the West, Hospet to the South and Sindhanur to the East. Red and black soil can be found in this taluk. A big lake 4kms away from the city is the main source of drinking water is situated in west side and covering the area of more than 300 acres.

History
Kushtagi is located at 15.77°N, 76.2°W. It has an average elevation of 639 metres (2096 feet). The area is dry and prone to drought.

Demographics
India census, Kushtagi had a population of 21,180. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Kushtagi has an average literacy rate of 64.4 %, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 73%, and female literacy is 55%. In Kushtagi, 14% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Registered Non-Government Organisations
Kushtagi is a major area of work for the following NGOs:
 * Samraksha, the HIV/AIDS unit of Samuha
 * Information Technology, Sankalpa Rural information Technology Development

Transport
Kushtagi is well connected by road to Bangalore, Hubli, Raichur, Bagalkot and other major cities. The nearest major airport is in Hubli.

Long-distance bus routes
Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) runs a bus service to other cities and villages. There are also various private bus services.

Railways
Kushtagi Railway Station is under construction and railway line has been laid upto Kushtagi, a trail run was also conducted in may 2024, if all goes well, the train service from Kushtagi to Gadag and hubballi may start at the end of 2024 or from mid of 2025. Koppal railway station and Hosapete junction railway station are the nearest railway station to Kushtagi. Koppal and Hosapete district are served by a major rail line and are well connected by trains to all major parts of India such as Bangalore, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad.