Bengaluru: Mar 17: A group of MLAs led by Udupi-Chikkamagaluru Lok Sabha member Kota Srinivas Poojary has submitted a request to the minister to take action regarding the merger of Konkan Railway with Indian Railways. State Infrastructure Development Minister M.B. Patil has instructed the concerned to take action in this regard, a release said.
The important Konkan Railway project, which was initiated by George Fernandes when he was the Union Railway Minister, is completing 30 years today. Due to the single-track travel facility, it is difficult to run additional trains and due to the lack of funds in Konkan Railway, there is a financial shortage for the infrastructure system, including new railway stations. Therefore, the delegation said that by merging Konkan Railway with Indian Railways, it should be possible to get funds from the Government of India and implement important railway projects in the coastal region as well, the release said.
The delegation discussed this matter at length with the Minister. If merged with the Indian Railways, the delegation convinced the Minister of the opportunity available to implement many development projects, including doubling, apart from single lines, in the future. After a long discussion, M. B. Patil expressed his agreement. He also immediately instructed the Departmental Principal Secretary, Mrs. Manjula, over the phone to immediately prepare the file, and then obtain approval from the Cabinet, and assured the delegation of MPs and MLAs about the merger with the Indian Railways. Along with the MPs, Karkala MLA V. Sunil Kumar, Kaup MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty, Byndoor MLA Gururaj Gantihole, Kundapur MLA Kiran Kumar Kodgi and Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna participated.
