Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Dec 10: Udupi–Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary has urged the Central Government to upgrade and double the entire Konkan Railway line, which connects Kerala and Mangaluru to Goa and Maharashtra.

Raising the issue under Rule 377 in the Lok Sabha, MP Kota Srinivas Poojary said there is an urgent need for better connectivity and passenger convenience. He noted that the governments of Kerala and Goa have already agreed to the merger of the Konkan Railway Corporation with Indian Railways, and Karnataka and Maharashtra are also reportedly in favour. However, procedural delays have stalled the merger, affecting development works at Konkan Railway stations.

The MP pointed out that the existing single-line track has restricted the introduction of new trains and increased operational pressure. Funding constraints faced by the corporation have also slowed down track-doubling and modernisation works.

Expressing concern over the prolonged delay due to coordination issues, MP Kota Srinivas Poojary urged the Central Government to prioritise passenger interests and begin doubling the line from Mangaluru to Mumbai at the earliest.