Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi

Udupi, July 30: In a significant development for coastal railway commuters, the Mangaluru–Madgaon Express has officially begun halting at Padubidri railway station, located in Paniyoor.

The first stop was welcomed with much enthusiasm by local residents and activists who had campaigned for the halt for years. The train was ceremoniously received under the leadership of Railway Halt Struggle Committee president Deviprasad Shetty Belapu, who led the welcoming event. The train drivers arriving from Goa were honoured with shawls, acknowledging their role in the inaugural run.

Addressing the gathering, Deviprasad Shetty expressed gratitude and said, “We have been fighting for years to get a halt for the Mangaluru–Madgaon Express at Padubidri, along with demands for stoppages for trains to Mumbai and Bengaluru. Today’s achievement is the result of sustained efforts.”

He credited MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty and MP Kota Srinivas Poojary for their support in the movement, and noted that the approval came through the efforts of union minister of state for railways V Somanna.

In a further boost to the station’s development, a concrete approach road costing Rs 15 lac has already been constructed under the Adani Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, in coordination with the local Grama Panchayat. An additional Rs 20 lac CSR grant is expected to fund further infrastructure upgrades. Plans are also underway to install solar-powered street lighting to enhance the station’s amenities.

The programme was attended by Struggle Committee member Rakesh Kunjur, local residents, railway station master Shankaran, staff members Sujith, Adesh Hegde, Lalitha, Shanta, and a number of local auto drivers who welcomed the move.