Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary engaged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai on October 28, advocating for the crucial merger of Konkan Railway with Indian Railways. The meeting at Mantralaya focused on the financial challenges facing the coastal region's vital rail link and the imperative for its comprehensive development.
Poojary highlighted the necessity of integrating Konkan Railway, a lifeline for coastal passengers since its inception under George Fernandes, into the national network. He stressed that the 750-kilometer route, currently grappling with financial difficulties, urgently requires substantial investment. Doubling the entire track and enhancing future traffic capacity are critical steps to ensure its longevity and efficiency.
An estimated Rs. 40,000 crore is essential to double the Konkan route's tracks and upgrade its often-dilapidated stations. Poojary explained that Konkan Railway's current financial health is insufficient to undertake such a massive expenditure independently.
The MP reminded Fadnavis of a central minister's statement in the Lok Sabha, which indicated that the merger could proceed if the states through which the Konkan Railway passes relinquish their shares. Goa and Kerala governments have already expressed their consent for the merger. Furthermore, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has pledged cooperation for the railway's development.
Poojary underscored that Maharashtra's agreement is pivotal. Should the state concur, it would pave the way for the Konkan route's dual-tracking and enable representatives from coastal states to jointly petition the Centre for further developmental initiatives.
Responding to MP Poojary's presentation, Chief Minister Fadnavis acknowledged the matter's significance. He assured that a decision on consensus would be reached promptly, keeping the interests of Konkan Railway passengers paramount, according to a statement from Poojary's office.
Accompanying MP Poojary were Chandgad MLA Shivaji Patil, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation member Santosh Shetty, along with Gautam Shetty and Sunil Poojary from the Kundapura Railway Users' Association.
Image: varthabharati.in
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati Udupi