Proposal to merge Konkan Railway with Indian Railways triggers heated debate in Assembly

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, December 19, 2025: The proposal to merge the Konkan Railway with Indian Railways sparked an intense debate in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Wednesday.

Raising the issue, BJP MLA A. Kiran Kumar Kodgi voiced dissatisfaction, stating that despite repeatedly seeking clarity on the merger of the financially struggling Konkan Railway with Indian Railways, the government continued to give the same responses. He noted that the Konkan Railway has remained underdeveloped due to inadequate budgetary support.

Joining the discussion, BJP MLA from Karkala, V. Sunil Kumar, suggested that the state government convene a meeting with officials from the finance department and arrive at a clear decision on the matter.

Responding to the concerns, Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda said the role of the state finance department is currently limited. He explained that the Railway Department must take the initiative and clearly spell out the terms of the merger. If a merger is proposed, he added, the Railways must specify the amount they expect, as they would be the sellers and the state the buyer.

Intervening at the end of the discussion, Speaker U. T. Khader advised the state government to convene a meeting involving the Union Railway Minister, along with MLAs and MPs from the concerned region, to resolve the issue.