Daijiworld Media Network – Puttur (SP)
Train between Mangalore and Bangalore named 'Kudla Express'
Puttur, Jul 28: Union railway minister, D V Sadananda Gowda (DVS), said that there is a proposal to introduce RoRo (Roll-on Roll-off) service between Mangalore and Hassan by the railways during the period the Shiradi Ghat stretch of national highway remains closed for repairs and improvements.
This will address the problems caused by the inability of trucks to transport goods to and fro because of the road closure. "The deputy commissioner of Dakshina Kannada district has been instructed to immediately submit a proposal on these lines," he revealed.
Speaking to journalists after paying obeisance at Lord Mahalingeshwara Temple here on Sunday July 27, the minister said that trucks bringing goods till Hassan can be brought to Mangalore through the RoRo service, and those taking goods outside can be similarly sent through this service. This he feels, will ensure that the district does not fall short of essential goods. Although trucks can move on Charmadi and Madikeri ghat routes, he felt that RoRo services will be ideally suited towards ensuring that movement of goods goes on without any break.
The minister has already announced a plan to run day train between Mangalore and Bangalore.
DVS said that the central government has provided in the budget for taking up railway projects announced during the previous Congress regime. He said that as per the project reports, the state has to provide free land and 50 percent of project cost towards these projects. "But Karnataka chief minister, Siddaramaiah has, through a letter, expressed inability of the government to give its share. The earlier chief ministers had met their share in the railway projects. It will be impossible for the central government to bear the entire cost of these projects, if the state fails to meet the same. This has been clarified in our reply to the state government," he added.
He said that the day train between Mangalore and Bangalore has been named 'Kudla Express', and promised to take steps in stages to address technical and safety aspects relating to the railway tracks between Hassan and Subrahmanya to pave way for additional trains in course of time. About the law and order situation in the state as reflected by increased rape cases, he said that the union home ministry is closely watching the developments, and will take steps as may be required whenever the need for the same is felt.
DVS said that new trains were not announced for Kerala, taking into account the number of trains already existing there. He also said the railways will be providing trains on contract basis to those interested in managing religious tourism, educational tourism, etc as the railway department wants to explore tourism potential of the country. He said that the railway station at Puttur will be modernized within a year, and importance will be given to various pending works including level crossings.
The minister, after taking part in the 'Gurupooja' programme organized by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh at Puttur, proceeded to his native place, Mandekolu.
Local legislative constituency BJP president, S Apayya Maniyani, BJP leaders, Chanila Timmkappa Shetty, Sanjeeva Matandoor, and Rajesh Bannur, were present.