Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Mar 17: A delegation led by Udupi-Chikmagalur MP Kota Srinivas Poojary, along with the MLAs of Udupi district, urged the state government to approve the merger of Konkan Railway with Indian Railways.

A meeting was held with Karnataka’s minister for large and medium scale industries, M B Patil, regarding the merger. The Konkan Railway, established over 30 years ago through the efforts of former Union minister late George Fernandes and agreements between multiple states, is currently facing financial losses. Additionally, its status as a separate railway entity has been a major hurdle in the development of railway infrastructure along the coastal region.

The state of Goa has already approved the merger, and a request was made for Karnataka to take immediate steps in this regard. Minister M B Patil responded positively and assured that approval for the merger will be sought in the upcoming Cabinet meeting.

Meanwhile, a memorandum was also submitted to chief minister Siddaramaiah by Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary.

The meeting was attended by MLAs V Sunil Kumar, Yashpal Suvarna, Gurme Suresh Shetty, Kiran Kumar Kodgi, and Gururaj Gantihole.