Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (NJC)

Mangaluru, Jul 11: Raising the long-pending concerns of residents, Karnataka Legislative Council (MLC) member P V Mohan on Saturday urged the Railway authorities to provide a halt for the 16596 Karwar–Bengaluru Pancha Ganga Super Express at Padil railway station, describing it as a long-overdue demand of the local community.

Speaking to reporters after visiting Padil railway station and interacting with local residents, Mohan said that although Mangaluru has enjoyed railway connectivity for nearly 120 years and is one of South India's key railway hubs, Padil railway station has remained neglected despite being established to serve the growing population of the area.

He pointed out that while Mangaluru Central and Mangaluru Junction play a crucial role in the city's transportation network, Padil station has not received adequate development, train halts or basic passenger amenities over the decades, causing inconvenience to thousands of commuters.

Describing the station as a symbol of official neglect, Mohan alleged that the absence of political will had resulted in the continued disregard of the genuine demands of local residents. He noted that more than 1,400 families live around the station and are forced to cross railway tracks daily at considerable risk due to the lack of a safe pedestrian crossing. Schoolchildren, senior citizens, women and pregnant women are among those most affected, he said.

Mohan questioned why the Pancha Ganga Super Express, which passes through the route, does not halt at Padil. He pointed out that after stopping at Surathkal, the train runs up to Bantwal without a halt, and argued that providing a stop at Padil would benefit thousands of passengers while also reducing traffic congestion within Mangaluru city.

Stating that the demand was not a special privilege but a legitimate right of the people, Mohan said he would soon meet the Divisional Railway Manager of the Palakkad Railway Division and other senior railway officials to press for the train halt, construction of a pedestrian overbridge or underpass, and other essential facilities at the station.

He further said that the issue should remain above political differences and expressed confidence that with the support of the local Member of Parliament, legislators, public representatives and citizens' organisations, Padil railway station could be upgraded with the facilities it rightfully deserves.

Congress Campaign Committee president Denis D'Silva, District Congress vice-president TK Sudheer, Ramananda Poojary, Rafiq Kannur and Shafiq Bolar were present during the visit.