Pics: Vishal V P

Daijiworld Media Network- Mangaluru (VP)

Mangaluru, Mar 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually flagged off the extension of the Mangalore Central-Thiruvananthapuram Vande Bharat Express via video conference from Ahmedabad, Gujarat on Tuesday March 12.

Addressing the gathering, MLC Kota Srinivas Poojary stated, "The new Vande Bharat Express offers comfort comparable to that of an airplane. I extend my congratulations to MP Nalin Kumar Kateel for bringing such trains to Mangaluru city. This train is equipped with all necessary facilities and is now scheduled to journey to Thiruvananthapuram. It is important for people to express their opinions and feelings about this train. Nalin Kumar has played a pivotal role in the development of the airport, road infrastructure, and railways. He has been actively involved in this railway project, and we are delighted that it has finally come to fruition, connecting Mangaluru to Karwar and Mangaluru to Thiruvananthapuram."

MP Nalin Kumar Kateel said, "The Vande Bharat Express was a dream of our Prime Minister, aiming to introduce Made in India trains. We advocated for its presence in Mangaluru. When the train from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasargod was initiated, I urged the Railway Ministers to extend it to Mangaluru. Initially, they suggested an extension from Mangaluru to Madgaon, but due to popular demand, we pushed for its extension to Thiruvananthapuram, considering the close relationship between Mangaluru and Kerala. Our regions share similar beliefs, and there is significant pilgrimage traffic to Sabarimala, Ananthapadmanabha, and other temples in Kerala. Moreover, many Keralites have made substantial contributions to the business sector.

“This train significantly reduces travel time and aligns with the 'Vocal for Local' initiative. Development is evident around Mangaluru Junction, Central and Subramanya Road, Bantwal, and Bajekere. The Bengaluru to Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express is slated for completion by the end of May. The central government has generously funded railway projects. During my tenure as MP, significant progress has been made, including the development of the port, the Jal Jeevan Mission, and the near-completion of the plastic park. We also established India's first Coast Guard training center. Approximately Rs 250 crore have been allocated for the development of the fishing sector. Today, we can proudly announce the completion of the Smart City project. To critics, I urge, 'Open your hearts and see'.

"We have conducted meetings with railway officials, including the DRM, to address and resolve various issues. The people of Mangaluru have placed their trust in me, and I believe I have fulfilled their expectations. Upon assuming office as MP, my goal was to facilitate the development of roads, railways, and the airport, and I am proud to say that significant progress has been made in these areas during my tenure.

“I have also been advocating for a train to Ayodhya Ram Mandir, and discussions are underway with the Railway Minister, although a final decision is pending. I urge everyone not to judge me based on ideology alone. The development of railways in our region began under the leadership of B S Yediyurappa, and I express my gratitude to Ashwini Vaishnav, the Prime Minister, DRM, ADRM, and all involved parties. I firmly believe that if Mangaluru progresses, India will prosper.

"Regarding the extension of Vande Bharat from Mangaluru to Madgaon and then from Mangaluru to Mumbai, work is currently underway. Discussions in this regard are ongoing with Ashwini Vaishnav. Additionally, railway work in Subramanya Road is progressing well and is expected to be completed shortly," he stated.

Vedvyas Kamath, MLA, expressed his happiness on this occasion, stating, "We all traveled to Goa on the Vande Bharat, and the news of its speed spread across social media. Similarly, this Vande Bharat will swiftly connect to Kerala. Our MP has facilitated ease of travel for people coming from Kerala, which will greatly benefit them. Vande Bharat should extend to multiple destinations, connecting many people at affordable prices. Around 35 years ago, we aspired for railway development, and now the MP has assured us that railways will progress. In the coming days, we anticipate many more railway projects like this under Prime Minister Modi."

Mayor Sudhir Shetty Kannur along with district BJP president Sathish Kumpala, DRM S Jaishankar, former mayor Divakar Pandeshwar and railway officers were present.