MLC targets DK MP - Mangaluru railway issues

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Jan 12, 2016 :  Briefing media persons,  Member of Legislative Council Ivan D’Souza said MP Nalin Kumar Kateel has failed to implement the Union government-sponsored projects, including the railway projects, effectively in the district.

He said there is no proposal before the Southern Railway to upgrade Mangaluru Central Railway Station into a world-class railway station as announced by the then Union minister for railways Mamatha Banerjee in the 2009 railway budget.


MLC D’Souza, who is also the State government representative in Zonal Railway Users’ Consultative Committee, said the world-class railway station project announced in the budget has not shown up in plans at all. 

The MLC, who attended the committee meeting held in Chennai on January 6, said the Railways are ignoring the demands of the people of the region. “Even the MP has failed pursue the proposals with the Railways. The demands, like setting up of separate Mangaluru division, upgradation of railway station and extension of a few trains originating from Mangaluru Junction have not figured in official plans,” he claimed.

The issue of converting Mangaluru Central Railway Station into a world-class railway station was raied at the committee meeting, the General Manager of the Southern Railway said that there was no such concept on world-class railway station. The railways never implemented any such proposals of developing a railway station anywhere in the country. Only necessary infrastructure will be developed at Mangaluru railways stations. 

The MLC said the demand to increase the number of stoppages for Mangaluru Central - Madgaon Intercity Express, extension of the train to Dadar, and others have been ignored by the railways.   He said the officials at the meeting told him that extension of train services comes under the purview of the Railway Board and it needs to be taken up with the Rail Ministry. The extension of Mangaluru Central - Madgaon Intercity Express up to Dadar was a top demand.

To another query on operation of a new night train between Mangaluru and Bengaluru via Hassan, the officials said it is not feasible due to infrastructure constraints.

“MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, who is representing Dakshina Kannada district, should bring the issue to the notice of the Railway Ministry. He should question the ministry officials as to why the proposal on world -class railway station is not being taken up,” 

“The MP is not serious on issues related to railways. Apart from this, the problems related to national highway and upgradation of Nanthoor Circle have also not been taken up. The MP has failed to coordinate between the Union and the State government’s implementing agencies on the development works related to railways and national highway projects,” the MLC charged.