Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, V Somanna, announced that the long-awaited renovation of Mangaluru Central Railway Station will commence in March 2025, aiming for completion within two years. Addressing the media on Wednesday, July 17, Somanna emphasized the need to restore the station using available resources and assured that issues with Palakkad, Konkan, and Mysuru railways impacting Mangaluru City would be addressed. He mentioned that Ashwini Vaishnav, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, supports nationwide railway expansion projects, ensuring the development of all stations in the state through coordinated efforts.
Somanna expressed concern over the railway situation in Mangaluru and Karwar, stating, “A comprehensive blueprint for Mangaluru Central’s refurbishment will be finalized within one-and-a-half months, incorporating input from all ministers.”
Regarding landslide concerns near railway tracks, Somanna highlighted the presence of a disaster management team and specialized war rooms to tackle the issue, particularly with the increased rainfall this year. “Our goal is to ensure passenger safety by preventing landslides,” he noted.
In response to allegations of casteism by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Somanna remarked, “The Siddaramaiah I knew as a minister seems different now. We cannot be blinded, and doubts arise if he remains the same.”
On the matter of empty Vande Bharat trains, Somanna stated, “I am not aware of this. My focus is on providing top-quality railway infrastructure to Mangaluru.”
MPs Capt Brijesh Chowta and Kota Srinivas Poojary, MLAs Vedavyas Kamath and Harish Poonja, and others were present at the event.