Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Nov 13: Union minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the newly established FM transmission centre at Ajjarkad in Udupi on Friday. The facility aims to extend the broadcast coverage of Mangaluru Akashvani programmes to Udupi and surrounding areas.
After unveiling the plaque and cutting the ribbon to formally inaugurate the facility, the minister said that doubling all railway tracks along the Konkan Railway route was one of his major missions and that necessary steps would be taken to achieve this goal.
He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had accorded high priority to the development of the Konkan region and coastal Karnataka, with the central government approving several railway infrastructure projects in the region. Work on the construction of 10 railway overbridges and two tunnels had recently commenced, he added.
Referring to railway infrastructure in Udupi district, Vaishnaw said necessary measures would be taken to upgrade Indrali Railway Station, one of the district's major railway stations. He said a team of officials had been instructed to examine the feasibility and benefits of constructing a new platform to improve passenger convenience. Development works would focus on providing essential passenger amenities while incorporating elements of local architecture.
Highlighting Udupi's importance as a major religious and educational centre, the minister said development plans would take into account the requirements of both sectors. He also assured that Byndoor Railway Station, an important railway access point for pilgrims visiting Kollur Sri Mookambika Temple, would be developed.
He further said that the proposed train service originating from Madgaon, passing through the coastal region to Mangaluru and connecting to Bengaluru, would provide improved rail connectivity for passengers.
On the proposed merger of Konkan Railway with Indian Railways, Vaishnaw said the process was progressing, but approval from the governments of Karnataka and Kerala was still awaited. Efforts were continuing to take the process forward, he added.
Responding to a question on the regulation of YouTube and other web channels, the minister said that YouTube channels must take responsibility for the content they publish on their respective platforms.
The newly inaugurated FM transmission centre is expected to extend Mangaluru Akashvani's programmes to Udupi and neighbouring areas. Besides enhancing radio connectivity, the facility will also serve as an important communication channel for disseminating information to the public during emergencies, including natural disasters.
Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary, Mangaluru MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna, Kundapur MLA Kiran Kodgi, Byndoor MLA Gururaj Gantihole and several other dignitaries were present on the occasion.