Mangaluru: Senior railway officials from Palakkad and Mysuru divisions held a coordination meeting in Mangaluru on Friday to discuss preparations for the transfer of the Mangaluru area from the Palakkad Division of Southern Railway (SR) to the Mysuru Division of South Western Railway (SWR).
The meeting was attended by the Divisional Railway Managers (DRMs) of both divisions along with senior branch officers. The discussions focused on ensuring a smooth transition when the jurisdictional change comes into effect from October 1.
Focus on seamless transition
The meeting was held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, with officials discussing various operational and administrative aspects of the transfer. Both DRMs emphasised that the priority of the two divisions is to ensure that the changeover takes place smoothly, without affecting railway operations and passenger services.
Officials agreed that all necessary preparatory and coordination measures would be completed well in advance. The objective is to ensure that train services and other railway operations continue normally from October 1, when the new jurisdictional arrangement comes into force.
The discussions covered several issues that need to be addressed during the transition, including operational coordination, assets, records, control arrangements, staff deployment and other matters arising from the change in jurisdiction.
Staff given option to choose railway
A key issue discussed during the meeting was the status of staff currently working in the Mangaluru area.
It was reiterated that employees would be given an option to remain with Southern Railway or opt to join South Western Railway, in accordance with the rules and procedures prescribed by the Railway Board.
As per the Railway Board’s directions, non-gazetted staff will be transferred on an “as is where is” basis. However, employees will have the option to remain with Southern Railway or switch to South Western Railway. The prescribed procedure will be followed for other categories of employees wherever applicable.
The officials said the process would be undertaken in accordance with established Railway Board guidelines to ensure clarity for employees and minimise difficulties during the transition.
Railway operations to continue without disruption
The Palakkad and Mysuru divisions expressed confidence that continued coordination between the two sides would help facilitate an orderly changeover.
The officials stressed the importance of maintaining continuity in train operations, passenger services and other railway activities throughout the transition period. Preparatory work will therefore be carried out jointly so that operational arrangements are in place before the new jurisdiction takes effect.
The coordination between the two divisions is particularly significant as the Mangaluru area has several important railway facilities and stations that will come under the Mysuru Division from October 1.
Mangaluru area to come under Mysuru Division
The Railway Board, on August 21, decided to transfer the Mangaluru area up to Ullal, including Ullal, from the Palakkad Division of Southern Railway to the Mysuru Division of South Western Railway.
The change will come into effect from October 1.
The Mangaluru area covered by the jurisdictional change includes Mangaluru Central, Mangaluru Junction, Panambur (New Mangalore Port) and Ullal railway stations.
The transfer is aimed at bringing the specified Mangaluru railway area under the administrative jurisdiction of the Mysuru Division. The change will involve coordination on operational, administrative, staff and asset-related matters between the two railway zones and divisions.
The latest meeting between the DRMs and senior officers is part of the preparatory exercise ahead of the October 1 deadline.
With both divisions working together on the transition, railway officials are confident that the jurisdictional change can be implemented without affecting regular train operations or passenger services in the Mangaluru area.