Daijiworld Media Network – Puttur
Puttur, Aug 3: The extension of the passenger train service from Mangaluru Central to Subrahmanya Road from April 12 has resulted in a significant increase in railway revenue across several rural stations in Dakshina Kannada district.
Previously operating only up to Kabaka Puttur, the passenger train now reaches Subrahmanya Road station. The increased accessibility has been enthusiastically welcomed by the rural population, with revenue growth confirming strong public response.
Data obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act by Shankar Kalmakka of the Puttur–Subrahmanya Train Users Committee was furnished by the Mysuru Division of the South Western Railway.
Subrahmanya Road station earned Rs 2,90,40,404 from January to March, while revenue jumped to Rs 3,02,45,904 between April and June—an increase of Rs 12 lac. Bajkere station saw earnings rise from Rs 8,880 to Rs 31,570 in the same comparison period. Kodimbala station, which initially earned Rs 26,775 from just a midday passenger halt, earned Rs 83,290 after the introduction of morning and evening trains. Edamangala station reported revenue of Rs 8,915 in the first quarter and Rs 42,190 in the next—an increase of Rs 33,275. Kaniyooru station showed a massive increase from Rs 8,965 to Rs 89,050, marking a jump of Rs 80,085. Narimogaru station, which barely recorded Rs 2,855 earlier and often had no passengers during the midday train, earned Rs 17,300 after the extension.
Only Neralakatte station showed limited growth, with revenue increasing from Rs 8,025 to Rs 8,880.
Kabaka Puttur station earned Rs 1,09,34,431 from January to March and Rs 1,22,44,465 from April to June. Bantwal, which is undergoing development under the Amrit Bharat scheme, showed growth from Rs 65,47,160 to Rs 76,75,877 in the same period.
The increased revenue from rural stations is a strong indicator of public appreciation for extended rail services. Locals have called upon railway authorities to further enhance basic infrastructure at rural stations.