Media Release
New Delhi, Mar 18: Dakshina Kannada (DK) MP Capt Brijesh Chowta raised the issue of the merger of Konkan Railway and reorganisation of Mangalore Railway administration among other railway related issues while speaking during the demand for grants for the ministry of railways, in Lok Sabha on Monday.
Addressing the parliament, Capt Brijesh Chowta acknowledged the remarkable achievements of Indian Railways, including 90% electrification, the introduction of high-speed Vande Bharat trains, and the redevelopment of over 1,300 stations.
He also applauded the extension of the Kabaka Puttur Express to Subramanya Junction, which will greatly benefit pilgrims and daily commuters. He expressed gratitude to the minister of railways for allocating Rs 7,559 crore to Karnataka in this budget.
He also acknowledged the significant progress in railway electrification, noting that 96.5% of Karnataka's railway network has now been electrified.
Highlighting the rapid expansion of railway infrastructure, Capt Chowta stated that since 2014, a total of 1,652 km of new railway tracks have been laid in Karnataka, surpassing the entire rail network of Sri Lanka.
While placing the demands from Dakshina Kannada, Capt Brijesh Chowta emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to enhance the region railway infrastructure. He advocated for the merger of the Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd. (KRCL) with Indian Railways to alleviate its financial constraints and a debt burden of Rs 2,589 crore, which would stabilize its finances, unlock investments for modernization, and boost operational efficiency.
He also called for the reorganization of Mangaluru’s railway administration by shifting it from the Southern Railway’s jurisdiction in Palakkad, Kerala, to the South Western Railway headquartered in Mysuru, ensuring better coordination and infrastructure development.
Furthermore, he stressed the importance of merging the financially struggling Hassan-Mangaluru Rail Development Company (HMRDC) with Indian Railways or allowing a full takeover by the Karnataka government to enhance freight and passenger movement. Capt Chowta highlighted the necessity of establishing a Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) between New Mangalore Port and Bengaluru to reduce transportation costs and improve trade efficiency.
Capt Chowta urged the railway minister to expedite these crucial initiatives for enabling the realisation of Viksit Bharat 2047 through these development and policy changes and initiatives.