Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Jul 17: Union Minister of State (MoS) for Railways and Jal Shakti V Somanna has directed railway officials to consult with local representatives and administration to submit a report within 15-20 days on railway issues. These include the merger of Konkan Railway with Indian Railways and the establishment of a separate railway division.

V Somanna, along with MP Capt Brijesh Chowta and officials from Palakkad Division, Konkan Railway, and South Western Railway, conducted a meeting at Zilla Panchayat on Tuesday, July 17.

The minister emphasized the need for railway officials to expedite ongoing projects without any delays. He also mandated quarterly meetings between officials from Southern, South Western, and Konkan Railways, along with MPs, MLAs, DCs, engineers, and public representatives, to address grievances effectively.

MP Capt Brijesh Chowta highlighted the long-standing demand for merging Konkan Railway with Indian Railways, which would benefit the coastal Karnataka region. He pointed out that having three divisions within a 20-kilometer radius causes various problems. He also stressed the need for a high-speed railway network from Mangaluru to Bengaluru and called for a feasibility study and economic analysis for the Subramanya to Sakleshpur ghat section.

Chowta mentioned that the existing coaches of the Matsyagandha Express, an iconic train, are old and need replacement. He also suggested extending the Mangaluru Express to Mangaluru Central Railway Station and urged officials to undertake repair work at Surathkal and Mulki railway stations. Additionally, he recommended shifting the Ro-Ro service from Surathkal to Thokur station to prevent road damage.

He further stated that the architectural design of Mangaluru Central should reflect the local style and meet passenger amenities. He also stressed developing the 4th and 5th platforms at Mangaluru Junction Railway Station under the Amrit Bharat project. Mangaluru Railway Station, which generates significant revenue, needs improved passenger amenities. He also advocated restarting the Mangaluru-Subramanya train.

During a visit to Mangaluru Central Railway Station, Chowta observed a lack of local staff, including station masters and vendors, who could converse in Kannada. He urged officials to ensure the inclusion of local staff for better communication with passengers.

V Somanna noted that since Narendra Modi became Prime Minister, 1,924 railway stations have been upgraded.

Konkan Railway official Santhosh stated that from August, quarterly meetings with MPs, MLAs, and other officials will be conducted. He also requested funds to upgrade Udupi Railway Station to world-class standards under the Amrit Bharat project and sought land to shift the Ro-Ro service to Thokur. Development of Surathkal Railway Station will also be undertaken.

MP Udupi Chikkamagaluru Kota Srinivas Poojary, Dakshina Kannada SP Yathish, Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan, Zilla Panchayat CEO Anand, and other railway officials from South Western Railway, Southern Division, and Konkan Railway were present.