Mangaluru: South Western Railway (SWR) General Manager P Ananth inspected railway stations and operational facilities in Mangaluru on Friday, following the transfer of the area to the Mysuru division on October 1. The inspection focused on railway safety, train operations, infrastructure, manpower requirements and passenger amenities.

Ananth was accompanied by Mysuru Divisional Railway Manager Mudit Mittal and other senior railway officials. The team visited Mangaluru Central, Mangaluru Junction, Panambur and Jokatte railway facilities to assess operational preparedness and review the requirements of the newly integrated area.

The inspection comes as the Mysuru divisional administration takes charge of railway operations in the region, with officials working to ensure continuity in services and address infrastructure needs.

Railway GM reviews safety and operational preparedness

During the visits, Ananth reviewed train operations, safety arrangements, maintenance systems, staff availability and passenger facilities. He also assessed the preparedness of field units and interacted with railway employees about operational challenges.

Discussions covered manpower requirements, infrastructure gaps and other essential facilities needed to maintain efficient railway operations.

The general manager directed officials to address the identified requirements in a timely manner. He emphasised the importance of maintaining safety standards, punctuality and operational efficiency across the stations and facilities under the newly integrated area.

The inspection also provided an opportunity for railway officials to assess whether existing arrangements were adequate to meet operational demands and passenger requirements.

With the administrative transfer taking effect on October 1, coordination among departments and the timely resolution of local issues are expected to remain important priorities for the Mysuru division.

MP Capt Brijesh Chowta raises pending railway projects

During his visit, Ananth met Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta to discuss pending railway infrastructure projects and long-standing connectivity demands in the region.

The discussions covered several issues concerning railway crossings, station development and improved access to rail services.

Among the key matters raised were level crossings between Padil and Subrahmanya Road, a proposed railway station at Farangipet, the need to expedite platform works at Puttur, the Pandeshwar railway crossing and the possibility of establishing a railway station near Mangaluru International Airport.

These demands relate to improving railway access, addressing local infrastructure requirements and enhancing convenience for passengers across Dakshina Kannada.

Chowta said in a post on X that he had discussed the need to speed up ongoing works and address long-pending public demands to strengthen rail connectivity and improve passenger convenience in the district.

The meeting brought regional infrastructure priorities to the attention of the SWR leadership following the administrative transfer of railway facilities in the Mangaluru area.

Farangipet and airport railway station proposals discussed

The proposed railway station at Farangipet was among the issues discussed during the meeting. A station in the area could address local demand for railway access, subject to the necessary assessments and approvals by the railway authorities.

The possibility of establishing a railway station near Mangaluru International Airport was also raised. Improved rail access to the airport could potentially provide an additional travel option for passengers, depending on the feasibility of the proposal and the infrastructure required.

The discussions also included level crossings between Padil and Subrahmanya Road and the Pandeshwar railway crossing, both of which form part of the region’s wider railway infrastructure requirements.

However, the discussions do not in themselves indicate that the proposals have received final approval or that construction timelines have been announced.

Puttur platform works among key priorities

Expediting platform works at Puttur was another important issue raised by the MP.

Railway station infrastructure plays a key role in passenger movement, train handling and overall service efficiency. Timely completion of platform-related works can improve station facilities and support smoother operations.

The MP also sought attention to ongoing railway projects and public demands that have remained pending for an extended period.

The review of these issues comes at a time when the Mysuru division is assessing operational requirements and coordinating railway services across the newly integrated area.

Mysuru division monitors newly integrated railway area

In a release, the Mysuru divisional railway administration said it was monitoring the functioning of the newly integrated area and taking steps to ensure smooth operations, safety, effective maintenance and quality passenger services.

The administrative transition places renewed focus on coordination between railway departments, the availability of personnel and the maintenance of infrastructure across the Mangaluru region.

The general manager’s inspection and meeting with the MP provided an opportunity to review immediate operational needs alongside broader demands for railway connectivity and infrastructure development.

For Dakshina Kannada, the next steps will depend on the railway authorities’ assessment of the proposals, the progress of ongoing works and decisions on the feasibility and implementation of new infrastructure.

The inspection signals the beginning of a period of operational review under the Mysuru division, while local representatives continue to press for improvements to railway services and facilities across the region.