Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (VP)

Mangaluru, Jul 20: Member of Parliament for Dakshina Kannada Capt Brijesh Chowta addressed railway issues on Saturday, July 20, at the Deputy Commissioner's office in Mangaluru.

Speaking at the event, MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta stated, "A few days ago, V Somanna visited our district upon my request to resolve railway issues. I thank him. Mangaluru railways are affected by three divisions. Our main agenda is to resolve these issues for the community's betterment. We need to establish a mechanism and develop railways."

District Commissioner Mullai Muhilan added, "The Union Minister acknowledged Mangaluru's challenges due to the three divisions. We have formed a committee with officials, stakeholders, MPs, MLAs, and the City Mayor. The committee will also include the Deputy Commissioner and Zilla Panchayat CEO. Main committee meetings with DRMs will occur every three months, and executive committee members will meet monthly."

Arun Kumar Chaturvedi, DRM of Palakkad Division, detailed, "The blueprint for the new Central Railway station is ready. Specialised connections to all terminals are planned to address public issues. The Mangaluru Central project, spanning 56.74 acres and costing Rs 303.20 crore, will include a new surface parking space of approximately 1667 sq.m. The design is inspired by a clock tower. The entire cotress will relocate, and a parking area will replace the front of the Railway station. The project tender is expected to be passed by the end of next year, with completion within three years."

MP Vedavyas Kamath noted, "Following discussions with the Railways Minister, we aim to address ongoing problems. The Pandeshwara Railway track closure disrupts daily traffic 15-20 times, inconveniencing commuters who wait in sun and rain."

Responding, DRM Arun Kumar Chaturvedi stated, "There are no issues from Railways, and we collaborate with the corporation. The Minister's inspection led to plans for phase-wise upgrades at Mangaluru Junction to mitigate flooding during the rainy season."

MP Vedavyas Kamath added, "The City corporation has raised concerns about Shaktinagar and Ward no 52 at Mallurgudde, where railway tracks impede direct access for nearly 300 houses."

MP Capt Brijesh Chowta directed South Western Railways and Konkan Railways to enhance the Matsyaganda railway and adjust schedules to better serve rural areas. MLA Vedavyas Kamath and DC Mullai Muhilan urged local corporators to use an online portal for complaints and tracking progress.

The meeting included Mayor Suheer Shetty Kannur, Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal, DRM of ADRM Southern Railways, RRM of Palakkad, and senior officials from Railways and Mangaluru City corporators.