Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)
Mangalore, Aug 11: "Extension of the train to city from Bangalore to Kannur will not in any way, jeopardise the intrests of the citizens of Dakshina Kannada district. It would be improper to exert pressure to cancel this extension," said minister of state for railways, E Ahamed.
His response came, when a memorandum containing demands like not to extend the train to Kannur as proposed, starting of day train to Bangalore etc., was handed over to him by a delegation led by the district BJP president Monappa Bhandary and MLA Yogish Bhat at the railway station here on Monday August 10. The minister said that the long-pending demand of Keraleans for a train to Kannur from Bangalore has been met now. He felt, this would contribute to the development of educational and industrial sectors of both the states. While sticking to the stand that he is not in favour of considering the cancellation of the proposed extension, the minister said, he would examine the possibility of running additional train between the city and Bangalore.
Coastal Development Authority chairman B Nagaraj Shetty, Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Srinivas Kamath, office bearers of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike and BJP activists accompanied their leaders.
MLA Yogish Bhat said, the railways department has done injustice to Karnataka coast by including the coast, which brings highest revenue to the department, under the Palghat division. He added that he has impressed upon the minister, the need to start a separate Mangalore division.
Local MP Nalin Kumar Kateel felt, there are differences of opinion within the railway ministers. "When a similar demand was placed with the other minister of state for railways, K H Muniyappa, he had assured that the extension of the train would be cancelled. Ahmed now is singing a different tune. If our demands are not met, we will resort to 'rail roko' agitation at Karwar, Udupi and Mangalore simultaneously," he warned.