The Hindu
 
Mangalore, Dec 20: The district unit of Samajwadi party has said that it would stage protests, including rail rokos, if passenger train service between Hassan and Mangalore does not start in the next 15 days.

The railway line had been closed a decade ago for repair works. Although the repairs have been completed, passenger trains have not begun, S.P. Changappa, district general secretary of the party, said at a press conference on Tuesday. The bus transport lobbies seem to be the reason for the delay in the commencement of trains on this route, he said. Factors such as the poor state of the Shiradi Ghat Road in the region were reflective of the failure of the State Government, Mr. Chengappa said.

The Government had announced that it would release Rs. 40 crore for the construction of a second vented dam to ease the water problems of Mangalore city, but the work on the dam has not yet begun, he said. Mr. Chengappa said that the State president of the party S. Bangarappa would visit Mangalore on Friday. Mr. Bangarappa would lead a procession of party workers from Kankanady ground to Nehru Maidan, where he would address a public meeting, he added.