Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, May 24: Kanara Chambers of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Sunday May 24 organized 'Railway Adalath' at its meeting hall here. Ironically, officials of the railway department, Konkan Railway and Palakkad division were absent.

MLC Ivan D'Souza chaired the 'Railway Adalath' and discussed various development works regarding railway facilities in the district.

Addressing the meeting, vice-president of KCCI, Mohandas Prabhu said, "NMPT alone contributes around 42 percent of the total profit of Palghat railway division. Mangaluru should come under Konkan Railway Corporation which facilitates development works. This will be helpful in materializing the dream of making Mangaluru Central a world-class
railway station.

"DRP of Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd states that the southern boundary of KRCL is fixed at Ullal and not Thokkur," he added.

R L Dias, president of Udupi Railway Yatri Sangha, said, "Inter-city train plying from the city should be extended till Vasco and the schedule should be changed. The train runs on loss due to shortage of passengers and its inconvenient timings."

Activist Hanumanth Kamath urged to restore the Mahalakshmi Express train which was plying towards Meeraj. The train has been stopped presently.

Responding to the various issues raised during the Adalath, MLC Ivan D'Souza said that he would involve himself in implementing the projects which have been passed in the recent budget. He also said that he would raise the problems of the railways pertaining to district in the Assembly as well in Southern Railway consultative committee meetings.

Oliver D’Souza, executive secretary, Railway Yatri Sangha said, "If there is any inconvenience in Konkan Railways like water and food, passengers can inform about it by SMS to 9004470700. In case of emergency, passengers can contact on 9004470730."