Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (NJC)
Mangaluru, Nov 12: Dakshina Kannada MP Brijesh Chowta highlighted a series of major railway infrastructure developments and upcoming milestones for the coastal region, with the inauguration of the Vande Bharat train service connecting Yesvantpur and Madgaon scheduled for November 13.
Prime minister Narendra Modi will virtually flag off the Vande Bharat train, while union minister for railways, information and broadcasting, and electronics and information technology Ashwini Vaishnaw will preside over the launch ceremony at Mangaluru Junction.
Speaking about the developments, Chowta said the union minister had arrived in Mangaluru for a night halt and inspected the ongoing railway works at Mangaluru Central. He also visited Krishna Matha in Udupi and inaugurated an All India Radio FM transmitter.
A comprehensive review meeting will be held at the Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner's office with local public representatives, New Mangalore Port Authority officials, stakeholders, city corporation members and railway authorities to discuss regional infrastructure and development requirements.
Following the inauguration, Ashwini Vaishnaw will travel by the Vande Bharat train from Mangaluru to Subrahmanya Road, interacting with passengers, students and public representatives.
Chowta highlighted that electrification of the challenging Subrahmanya-Sakleshpur Ghat section has been completed in record time, paving the way for the operation of the Vande Bharat service.
He also pointed to the development of Subrahmanya Road railway station under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme at an estimated cost of Rs 25 crore, with its inauguration scheduled as part of the upcoming programme.
Another significant development is the transfer of Mangaluru Junction, Mangaluru Central and Thokur railway stations from the Palakkad division to the Mysuru division of the South Western Railway. The administrative reorganisation is expected to bring better coordination in railway operations, planning and future infrastructure development.
Regarding the Mangaluru-Bengaluru railway line doubling project, Chowta said discussions and surveys were progressing, with the detailed project report (DPR) expected by January. The proposal also involves modifying the existing steep 1:50 gradient in the Ghat section to 1:150 to facilitate double-line development while retaining the existing track.
Chowta described the developments as significant milestones for the region's railway infrastructure and called upon the public, students and media representatives to participate in the November 13 programme.