Silvester D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur

Kundapur, Sep 4: "The economic strength of this region will be enhanced if Konkan Railway is merged with Indian Railways. This would facilitate the introduction of new trains and their halts, and railway stations would see further development. Discussions are ongoing with the governments of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Goa within the jurisdiction of Konkan Railway. A final decision on this matter will be taken as soon as possible," said Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary.

On Wednesday, September 4, during his visit to the Moodlakatte Railway Station, he reviewed the infrastructure and development works in a meeting with railway department officials, Konkan Railway officials, members of the Railway Passengers Welfare Committee, and representatives from the Hangluru Lions Club and various other organizations.

The Hangluru Lions Club has taken the initiative to develop essential facilities at this station, which is commendable. Even if the merger occurs in the future, efforts will be made to ensure that these initiatives are not hindered. Regarding the Nizamuddin train that connects to Rajdhani and stops at Hosdurg, he said, “I have spoken to railway minister of state V Somanna. This measure will be implemented within a week. The request for a new train to Bengaluru is also under consideration.”

Konkan Railway’s regional manager of Karwar, B B Nickam, said that regardless of the merger or other development works, previous works will not be affected. Expansion works will be carried out while retaining the existing projects.

Rowan D’Costa, president of the Hangluru Lions Club, along with members Prof Balakrishna Shetty and others, shared information about the station’s roof and flooring works on behalf of the club.

Ganesh Puthran, president of the Railway Passengers Welfare Committee, mentioned that many donors are cooperating to provide the necessary facilities at this station. The Hangluru Lions Club has now undertaken a large-scale development project. Additional shelters, toilets, and platform repairs are needed at the station, he added.

Konkan Railway officials Dilip, Vijay Kumar, B M Venkatesh, PRO Sudha Krishnamurthy, committee members Vivek Nayak, Joy Carvalho, Praveen Kumar, Nagaraj Achar, Raghavendra Shetty, Uday Bhandarkar, Sudhakar Shetty Huntrike, and others were present.

Kota Srinivas Poojary was felicitated at the Moodlakatte Railway Station by the Christian community of the Kundapur region for his efforts in starting the special train between Velankanni and Madgaon. They also requested that this train be operated twice a week in the future. Ganesh Puthran, president of the Railway Passengers Welfare Committee, was also honored on this occasion.