Railway minister Muniappa flags off Mangalore – Palakkad Intercity Express

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Nov 18, 2011: K. H. Muniappa, the union minister of state for railways, flagged off the brand new Mangalore to Palakkad Intercity Express at Mangalore Railway Station on Nov 18 Thursday. 

In his inaugural address, he said that MP Oscar Fernandes and MP Nalin Kumar Kateel bear the credit for the introduction of this train since they drafted the various public demands for facilities at the Mangalore Railway Station.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Further, he said that the Indian Railways has been satisfying the ever-rising demands of the public by introducing new trains, increasing frequency of existing trains, extending train routes, and augmenting the carriage capacity of existing trains. Recently, the Indian Railways has flagged off several new trains, renovated railway station, and introduced several new facilities for passengers.

He also said that the UPA government has announced 271 new services, including brand new trains, extensions, and increase in frequency of trains and that almost all the trains announced for this year have been introduced.

The Mangalore – Palakkad Intercity Express has been introduced by the UPA government in response to public demand for trains connecting important cities. Lauding the railway department, he said that it is the only department that works 24/7, owing to which railway workers are entirely responsible for its success. 

The minister also said that there are 10 trains running regularly, 5 extension trains, and 2 trains that run on alternative days, owing to which facilities at the railway station ought to be upgraded to cater to the requirements of passengers from 18 trains arriving at the station. 

Muniappa also said that electric trains will soon be introduced to reduce pollution levels within the country. The government has already spent Rs. 5 – 6 crore on railway development and has assured that it will satisfy all the demands of the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI). 

The minister also announced a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh to J. N. Jagannath, the additional general manager of Southern Railway, Chennai.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Speaker N. Yogesh Bhat said that Mangalore Railway Station is on the way to becoming an important station, second only to the Bangalore station. He also spoke of the need for a separate railway division for Mangalore, which will generate jobs for Kannada people. 

J. N. Jagannath, the additional general manager of Southern Railway, Chennai, delivered the welcome address and S. K. Raina, the divisional railway manager in Palakkad proposed the vote of thanks. 

Mayor Praveen, Moideen Bawa, former MLA Vijaykumar Shetty, P. V. Mohan, and others were the dignitaries on the dais.