Mangaluru,: Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta has written to Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, urging the Karnataka government to extend complete administrative cooperation for implementing the Centre’s decision to integrate the Mangaluru railway network with the South Western Railway (SWR).
In a detailed letter to the chief minister, Capt Chowta said the Railway Ministry had already initiated the required process and issued a notification to separate the Mangaluru railway network from the Palakkad division and merge it with the Mysuru division of South Western Railway.
He described the move as a major step towards fulfilling a long-standing demand of railway passengers in the coastal region and strengthening Karnataka’s overall railway network.
MP seeks swift completion of integration
Capt Chowta urged the chief minister to take a special interest in ensuring the integration process is completed without administrative confusion or delay.
According to the MP, the shift of the Mangaluru railway network from the Palakkad division to the Mysuru division would help improve the administration, operations and overall development of railway infrastructure in the coastal region.
He said the Railway Ministry had taken the decision after reviewing the ground-level requirements and considering the need to strengthen railway connectivity and administration in both coastal Karnataka and the state as a whole.
The MP emphasised that the Centre’s decision should now be implemented smoothly with the necessary cooperation from the Karnataka government.
Concern over objections from Kerala
Capt Chowta also drew the chief minister’s attention to reports that the Kerala chief minister and political parties in the neighbouring state had written to the Centre seeking a review of the Railway Board’s decision.
In view of these developments, he urged D K Shivakumar to intervene and take steps to safeguard Karnataka’s interests.
He said any attempt to delay or reconsider the decision could create obstacles to a process that has been a long-standing demand of railway users and stakeholders in coastal Karnataka.
The MP requested the Karnataka government to formally communicate its clear and supportive position to the central government and ensure that there is no administrative hurdle in implementing the Railway Ministry’s directive.
Decision aimed at administrative improvement
Capt Chowta maintained that the decision should be viewed as an administrative necessity for Mangaluru and the wider railway network in Karnataka rather than as a move directed against any neighbouring state.
He said the proposed integration would provide an opportunity for better coordination between the Mangaluru railway network and the South Western Railway system, particularly through the Mysuru division.
According to him, bringing the railway network under the administrative framework of South Western Railway could contribute to improved planning, operations and future development of rail infrastructure serving the coastal region.
He stressed that the Centre’s decision followed a review of the prevailing ground situation and was intended to strengthen the railway systems of coastal Karnataka and the state.
Call for united support from Karnataka
The MP has therefore sought the Karnataka government’s active involvement in ensuring the decision is implemented as planned.
He urged the chief minister to take necessary steps at the state level and present Karnataka’s official and supportive stand before the central government, especially in the wake of objections reportedly raised from Kerala.
Capt Chowta said swift administrative coordination would be essential to prevent uncertainty and ensure the integration process moves forward without delay.
The move has been projected as an important development for railway passengers in the coastal region, with the proposed administrative shift expected to influence the future management and development of the Mangaluru railway network.
With the Railway Ministry having already issued the notification, Capt Chowta’s appeal focuses on securing strong support from the Karnataka government to ensure the integration is implemented smoothly and without further obstacles.
Chowta urges Karnataka’s support for Mangaluru railway integration
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