Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (MS)

Kundapur, Sep 29: A group of 80 senior citizens of Udupi district, who were on a North India tour, got stuck due to the inordinate delay of a train and were helped by MP Kota Srinivas Poojary, who made alternate arrangements for the group.

The group, which had completed their North India tour, was supposed to reach Mumbai and travel to Udupi on the Matsyagandha Express. However, they were stuck midway from Ranchi to Mumbai due to a 10-hour delay of the Mumbai Express. By the time they reached Mumbai, the Matsyagandha Express had already departed. The group then sought help from MP Kota Srinivas Poojary.

Responding promptly, Poojary made special compartment arrangements for the CST-Mangaluru train after consulting with the railway ministry. The railway board contacted Central Railway, and an additional bogie was attached to the CST-Mangaluru train, allowing the Udupi group to travel and reach their native place.

MP Poojary expressed his gratitude to Somanna, the state minister for railways, and his office staff for their swift action. Chempi Prakash Bhat, who led the group, said, “As usual, I took more than 50 people from various parts of Udupi district on a pilgrimage to places like Ayodhya and Kashi. While returning, we missed the Matsyagandha Express and sought the help of MP Kota Srinivas Poojary. He responded quickly and made alternative arrangements.”

MP Kota Srinivas Poojary said, “Pilgrims from Udupi who went to Ayodhya and Kashi missed the Matsyagandha train while returning from their pilgrimage due to the inordinate delay of the Ranchi-Mumbai Express. When this came to my attention, I requested the union railway minister and relevant authorities to make alternative arrangements. They responded swiftly, attaching an additional bogie to the CST-Mangaluru Express. I extend my sincere gratitude to union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnav, state railway minister V Somanna, and railway officials.”