MP Kota Srinivas Poojary urges immediate replacement of old coaches on Matsyagandha Express

MP Kota Srinivas Poojary urges immediate replacement of old coaches on Matsyagandha Express

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, August 19, 2024: Kota Srinivas Poojary, the MP for Udupi-Chikkamagaluru, has called on the Railway Ministry to promptly replace the outdated ICF coaches of the Mangaluru Central-Mumbai LTT-Mangaluru Central Matsyagandha Express with modern LHB coaches.

In a recent letter to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Mr. Poojary pointed out that Train No. 12620/619 is still being operated with ICF coaches that are around 25 years old and showing signs of rust. He emphasized that his constituents have been demanding new coaches for a considerable time.

Mr. Poojary highlighted the significance of the Matsyagandha Express to the coastal community, noting that it was the first passenger train introduced during the commissioning of the Konkan Railway Corporation network by then Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee. The service remains a source of pride for the people along India’s west coast. However, despite the train celebrating its silver jubilee last year, dissatisfaction with the ageing ICF coaches continues, he noted.

Mr. Poojary expressed disappointment that, despite repeated requests and social media campaigns, Southern Railway has yet to replace the old coaches with LHB coaches. He criticized the standard response from Southern Railway, which mentions phased replacement, as inadequate in addressing the concerns of passengers.

The MP urged the Minister to instruct Southern Railway to immediately upgrade the coaches to LHB models, ensuring enhanced safety, comfort, and satisfaction for passengers on this route.