Mangaluru: A public celebration will soon be organised to mark the inclusion of the Mangaluru railway area under the South Western Railway (SWR) zone, Dakshina Kannada BJP president Satish Kumpala said.
Speaking at a press conference at the district BJP office in Mangaluru, Kumpala said discussions had been held with Union Minister V Somanna regarding the proposed event. He said the programme would be scheduled according to the minister’s availability.
The proposed celebration is expected to highlight the Centre’s decision to shift the Mangaluru railway area from the Southern Railway’s Palakkad division to the Mysuru division of SWR.
BJP leaders credited for railway zone decision
Kumpala said Union Minister V Somanna, Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta and former MPs from the district had made significant efforts towards securing the inclusion of the Mangaluru railway area in SWR.
He said the Centre’s decision would contribute to the overall development of Dakshina Kannada and strengthen railway connectivity and administration in the region.
The railway reorganisation has been welcomed by sections in Dakshina Kannada, who have argued that placing the Mangaluru railway area under SWR could improve coordination and provide greater opportunities for railway development in the coastal region.
Kumpala said the decision was the result of sustained efforts by leaders representing the district and described it as an important development for Mangaluru and surrounding areas.
Decision will not affect Kerala, says Kumpala
Addressing concerns raised over the railway reorganisation, Kumpala referred to statements by Kerala BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar.
According to Kumpala, Chandrasekhar had clarified that the decision would not adversely affect Kerala and that Karnataka’s interests had been given due consideration.
Kumpala alleged that local Congress leaders had not supported the move.
The issue has generated political debate in the region, with different parties and leaders expressing views on the administrative shift and its potential impact on railway services and development.
Kumpala maintained that the decision should be viewed from the perspective of the long-term interests of Dakshina Kannada and Karnataka.
Padil route could reduce travel time
Kumpala also highlighted the possible benefits of routing trains through the Padil route instead of Mangaluru Central.
He claimed that such routing could save around one-and-a-half hours of travel time and benefit passengers travelling from Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts.
Improved routing and operational efficiency could be particularly significant for passengers using long-distance services through the coastal railway corridor.
The proposed changes have also renewed discussions about railway infrastructure and connectivity in the coastal districts, where passenger groups and local organisations have regularly sought better services and more efficient train operations.
Kumpala said the railway area coming under SWR could provide greater scope for addressing such requirements.
Differences between MPs expected to be resolved
Kumpala also addressed reports of differences of opinion between MPs from Udupi and Dakshina Kannada over the railway-related developments.
He said the differences were minor and would be resolved soon.
He expressed confidence that elected representatives from the coastal districts would work together in the larger interest of passengers and railway development.
The Mangaluru railway area has strategic importance as it connects the coastal belt with the interior regions of Karnataka and neighbouring states. Any changes in railway administration and operations are therefore expected to have implications for passenger services, train routing and future infrastructure projects.
Celebration to be held soon
The proposed public celebration will be organised after finalising a suitable date in consultation with Union Minister V Somanna.
Kumpala said the date would depend on the minister’s availability and that further details would be announced once the schedule is finalised.
The event is expected to bring together BJP leaders, elected representatives, party workers and members of the public to mark the railway administrative change.
The inclusion of the Mangaluru railway area in SWR has been projected by the BJP as an important achievement for the region. Party leaders are expected to use the proposed celebration to explain the potential benefits of the decision and highlight the efforts made to secure it.
Legislative Council member Kishore Kumar Puttur and BJP leaders Yathish Arvar, Premananda Shetty and Sanjay Prabhu were present at the press conference.