Puttur: A joint survey has been conducted for the proposed railway and road connectivity projects through the Shiradi tunnel, with separate technical assessments now set to be carried out by the railway and road transport departments due to differing operational requirements, according to Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta.
Addressing reporters in Puttur, Chowta said the proposed infrastructure projects are progressing through the planning stage, with authorities examining various technical aspects before finalising alignments and project designs. While the road project is not expected to face major alignment challenges, the railway component requires careful consideration of both alignment and gradient requirements.
The MP noted that separate surveys would be conducted by the respective departments to ensure the feasibility and long-term efficiency of the proposed projects.
Railway project requires detailed gradient assessment
Puttur MP Capt Brijesh Chowta explained that gradient remains one of the key technical challenges in developing railway infrastructure through the Western Ghats region. He said the existing railway gradient on the route is approximately 1:50 and there is a long-term objective of improving it to 1:150 to facilitate smoother and more efficient train operations.
According to him, achieving the desired railway gradient would require a route length of around 88 kilometres. In contrast, the road transport department would be able to accomplish similar alignment objectives within approximately 38 kilometres.
Given these differences, both departments will undertake separate surveys to identify the most suitable routes and engineering solutions for their respective projects.
The proposed Shiradi tunnel project is expected to play a significant role in enhancing connectivity between coastal Karnataka and the Bengaluru region while also addressing transportation bottlenecks in the ghat section.
DPR preparation and alignment work underway
Chowta stated that work on the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the road project is currently in progress. Officials are also carrying out alignment studies to determine the most feasible route through the challenging terrain.
The MP said he plans to meet the concerned officials during the upcoming monsoon session to obtain further updates and detailed information regarding the progress of the project.
Infrastructure experts believe that a tunnel-based transport corridor through Shiradi could significantly reduce travel time, improve safety and enhance the movement of passengers and goods between the coast and the interior regions of Karnataka.
Vande Bharat service expected soon
Speaking on railway connectivity in the region, Chowta said technical assessments related to the operation of Vande Bharat trains are currently underway. Officials are evaluating various operational requirements before finalising schedules and service details.
Expressing confidence that the service would commence in the near future, the MP said efforts would be made to seek a halt for the train at Puttur once the final timetable is announced.
A stop at Puttur would provide improved rail connectivity for residents of the region and benefit passengers travelling between coastal Karnataka and major urban centres.
Need for railway infrastructure expansion
The MP also highlighted the limitations of the existing railway network connecting Mangaluru and Bengaluru. He pointed out that there is currently only one railway route linking the two cities and emphasised that demands for additional train services cannot be effectively addressed without substantial infrastructure upgrades.
According to Chowta, strengthening railway infrastructure must be prioritised alongside introducing new services. He suggested that the Hassan-Mangaluru Railway Corporation should be merged with Indian Railways to facilitate more comprehensive planning and implementation of future projects.
He further proposed the development of two railway routes between Mangaluru and Bengaluru, which would help improve capacity, reduce congestion and address gradient-related operational challenges in the ghat section.
The MP stated that a long-term strategy is being formulated to achieve these objectives and strengthen transportation infrastructure in the region.
Discussions planned on Puttur overbridge road widening
Apart from the Shiradi tunnel project, Chowta said discussions would also be held with the concerned authorities regarding the proposed road widening work near the Puttur APMC railway overbridge.
The widening project is expected to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion in the area, which serves as an important transportation corridor for commuters and commercial vehicles.
Residents and road users have long sought infrastructure improvements at the location, citing increasing traffic volumes and the need for safer road conditions.
Conclusion
The proposed Shiradi tunnel railway and road projects represent a major step towards improving connectivity between coastal Karnataka and Bengaluru. While separate surveys will determine the most feasible alignments for rail and road infrastructure, the projects are expected to address long-standing transportation challenges in the ghat section. Alongside these initiatives, efforts to introduce Vande Bharat services and expand railway infrastructure could significantly enhance regional connectivity in the coming years.