Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced Thursday night in Mangaluru that the proposed merger of Konkan Railway Corporation with Indian Railways requires the consent of all four partner states, including Karnataka. Speaking to media representatives at Mangaluru International Airport, the minister also unveiled plans for an innovative new design for the Mangaluru-Bengaluru Ghat rail route's double-tracking project, alongside updates on the Vande Bharat train service.
The Konkan Railway Corporation operates as a joint venture, with stakes held by the central government along with the state governments of Karnataka, Kerala, Goa, and Maharashtra. Consequently, any decision regarding its integration into Indian Railways necessitates the unanimous approval of these four state administrations. Vaishnaw confirmed that requests have already been dispatched to the respective states, and the merger process will advance once all four Chief Ministers provide their consent.
Addressing infrastructure development, Vaishnaw highlighted the Central Government's priority for the Mangaluru-Bengaluru rail line's double-tracking. The Final Location Survey (FLS) for this ambitious project is now complete, with the Detailed Project Report (DPR) currently under preparation. Acknowledging the formidable geographical challenges posed by the Western Ghats, the minister explained that a new design is being formulated for the second track. This innovative approach aims to ensure a more moderate and convenient gradient, avoiding the steep ascents and descents of the existing line, thereby facilitating smoother train operations through the Ghat section.
Further enhancing connectivity for the region, the Mangaluru-Bengaluru Vande Bharat train service is set to commence operations from Friday. Vaishnaw noted that overcoming several technical hurdles, particularly the electrification of the Ghat section and necessary modifications to the train's technology, paved the way for this crucial link between coastal Karnataka and the state capital. He also shared news of an upcoming FM Radio transmitter inauguration in Udupi.
Responding to allegations by Minister M.B. Patil concerning discriminatory allocation of railway projects to Karnataka, Vaishnaw firmly refuted the claims. He asserted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, Karnataka has witnessed substantial railway development, with projects worth approximately Rs 75,000 crore currently in various stages of implementation. The focus, he added, remains on significant initiatives like Bullet trains, Vande Bharat, Vande Bharat sleeper trains, and railway station modernization. Vaishnaw challenged Patil to disclose the railway grants Karnataka received during the UPA government's tenure.
Image: varthabharati.in
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati DK