Proposed Mangalore-Bangalore Express train to be named ‘Kudla Express’ : DVS

Mangalore Today News Network

Puttur, July 28, 2014 : Union Railway Minister DV Sadananda Gowda has said that the Mangalore-Bangalore Express Train announced in the recent Railway Budget would be  named Kudla Express.

Speaking to reporters on July 27, Sunday he said as a man from Tulunad he feels it would be appropriate to name the train after Kudla.

He also stated that there were plans to run a separate train for goods transport as an alternate to the Shiradi Ghat which will be closed from December. There is also a proposal to start Ro Ro Service, he said.

The Union Minister said he wants the Mangalore-Subrahmanya passenger train to be extended at least upto Sakleshpur for the benefit of passengers. He further stated that side pavement catching  facility would be  provided  on all  railway tracks in ghat section and rough terrains including Shiradi. The speed limit  will be 30 kms, he added.

Continuing, Sadananda Gowda said instead of the earlier government which gave fresh assurances, the present government want to improve the existing projects.  Therefore, as is the practice, the state government has to provide 50 per cent of grants and also sanction necessary land.  But Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has said it would be difficult to provide the grants.  Gowda at the same time said he did not wish to politicise the issue.