Mangaluru: Southern Railway General Manager R.N. Singh on Thursday instructed officials to make provisions for additional railway tracks at Mangaluru Central station to accommodate future growth in train operations and ensure more efficient management of traffic. The direction was given during his inspection of station redevelopment and infrastructure works across the Palakkad division.

Focus on capacity expansion and station redevelopment

During his visit, Singh emphasised that the addition of new tracks should be incorporated alongside the ongoing redevelopment of Mangaluru Central station to enhance overall operational efficiency. The station is being developed under the world-class station initiative, along with Kozhikode, while Kannur, Kasaragod, Mangaluru Junction, and Shoranur Junction are progressing under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.

The GM noted that these projects aim to improve passenger amenities, accessibility, and circulation, making them on par with international standards.

Detailed inspection across Kozhikode–Mangaluru section

Mr. Singh conducted a comprehensive inspection of major redevelopment projects and infrastructure upgrades across the Kozhikode–Mangaluru section on Thursday. His review began at Kozhikode, which is being redeveloped as a world-class station at an estimated cost of ₹472.96 crore.

He expressed satisfaction with the pace of progress but advised officials to ensure that all works are completed within the stipulated schedule.

The inspection also covered Kannur, Kasaragod, and Mangaluru Junction, where redevelopment and modernisation works are advancing steadily.

Key updates from various stations

At Vadakara, Singh instructed railway officials to explore options for a new parking facility at the second entrance, aimed at easing passenger congestion.

At Kannur, where redevelopment works are underway at a cost of ₹35.63 crore, Singh suggested alterations in the circulation area to improve passenger flow and safety.

He was informed that:

  • 75% of the ₹32.69 crore redevelopment work at Kasaragod station has been completed.
  • 97% of the ₹19.62 crore works at Mangaluru Junction are already done, placing it among the division’s most advanced redevelopment projects.

Southern Railway’s infrastructure vision

The Southern Railway’s ongoing redevelopment projects across the Palakkad division aim to enhance passenger experience, improve intercity connectivity, and expand operational capacity. These upgrades are part of the Indian Railways’ broader push to modernise stations under schemes such as the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme and the Station Redevelopment Programme (SRP).

Accompanying Mr. Singh during the inspection were Palakkad Divisional Railway Manager Madhukar Roat, Additional DRM S. Jayakrishnan, and other senior railway officials.