Bantwal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday dedicated the newly renovated Bantwal railway station to the nation through video conferencing under the Centre’s Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. The station has been redeveloped at a cost of Rs 26.18 crore, with upgraded passenger amenities and improved infrastructure aimed at enhancing the travel experience for commuters.
The inauguration ceremony was held at the railway station in the presence of public representatives, railway officials and local residents, who watched the Prime Minister’s virtual address on large LED screens installed across the station premises.
MP seeks merger of Konkan Railway with Indian Railways
Addressing the gathering, Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta said the merger of the Konkan Railway Corporation with Indian Railways was essential to accelerate the overall development of the coastal railway network.
He said such a move would help improve railway infrastructure and facilitate faster implementation of development projects across the Konkan region.
The MP also reiterated the need to prioritise the proposed railway line between Subramanya and Sakleshpur through the Shiradi Ghat stretch, describing it as an important project for improving connectivity between the coast and the hinterland.
Puttur station proposed for Amrit Bharat Scheme
Capt Chowta said efforts are underway to include the Puttur railway station under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme in the upcoming phases of redevelopment.
He added that the modernisation works at Subramanya railway station are in the final stages and the upgraded station is expected to be inaugurated shortly.
The MP said these projects would further strengthen railway infrastructure in Dakshina Kannada and improve facilities for passengers travelling across the region.
Vande Bharat infrastructure nearing completion
Speaking on future railway connectivity, Capt Chowta said the infrastructure required to introduce a Vande Bharat Express between Mangaluru and Bengaluru is being expedited.
He noted that railway electrification works on the route are nearing completion, paving the way for the introduction of faster train services.
The MP also highlighted the successful operation of the local passenger train between Mangaluru and Subramanya, which provides an economical travel option for commuters at a ticket fare of Rs 25.
He appealed to railway users to cooperate in maintaining the upgraded infrastructure and public facilities developed under the railway modernisation programme.
Cultural programmes mark the inauguration
The inauguration programme featured cultural performances by local school students and railway staff before the Prime Minister’s virtual address.
The performances included traditional Chende percussion, Talamaddale and Yakshagana, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the coastal region.
Owing to heavy rain, the organisers shifted the stage programme from the open area to Platform No. 1 of the railway station. Large LED screens were installed to enable visitors and passengers to watch the live address by the Prime Minister.
Dignitaries attend the function
Among those present were Legislative Council member Kishore Kumar, former ministers B Nagaraja Shetty, former MLAs K Padmanabha Kottari and A Rukmaya Poojary, Railway Divisional Manager Mudit Mittal and Senior Engineer (Gati Shakti) Anand Bharati.
Padma Shri awardees Harekala Hajabba and Mahalinga Naik also attended the event, along with members of railway action committees, BJP district president Satish Kumpala and several local leaders.
The inauguration of the redeveloped station marks another step in the ongoing modernisation of railway infrastructure under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, with more stations in the region expected to undergo similar upgrades in the coming years.