Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (EP)

Udupi, Nov 23: The department of railways has suspended the stop that was in practice for the last 15 years at Barkur railway station of Mumbai – Mangaluru Matsyaganda train. Barkur Railu Horata Samithi led a discussion meeting at Barkur Ramamandira in this connection. The meeting also urged for the stop at Barkur of Bengaluru to Karwar vistadome day train and up gradation of Barkur railway station. Barkur gram panchayat president Shantaram Shetty presided over the meeting.

Shantaram Shetty said that Barkur is historic and is the town of temples. “Tourists and villagers in the surrounding area are put to hardship due to the decision of the railway department. We have to unite and find a solution to the problem,” he said.

Prathviraj Shetty, leader of the Horata samithi said that Barkur railway station is convenient for people of 15 nearby villages. “As Matsyaganda train does not stop at Barkur, pilgrims are made to travel to Kundapur. Various organizations, gram panchayat presidents, members, riksha and taxi unions among us should unite and let us prepare a memorandum and submit it to the department of railways through the MLA and MP urging for suitable action. If the department does not take action the Barkur Railu Horata Samithi is prepared for protests in the leadership of all the local groups and associations,” he said.

Baikadi sugar factory president Baikadi Suprasad Shetty said that Barkur is historic. “The villagers in the surrounding area should unite so that the railway department takes action,” he said.

Kanehalli gram panchayat president Chandrashekar Shetty, Kadur gram panchayat president Panduranga Shetty, Yadthadi gram panchayat president Lata Handadi, Kandadi gram panchayat president Uday Poojary, various gram panchayat members, presidents of more than 50 local groups and associations, heads of various temples, Rotary club president, heads of riksha and taxi unions were present. Heads of various organizations gave suggestions.