Minister Somanna visits Mangaluru Central Railway Station

Mangaluru: Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna announced that a blueprint for upgrading Mangaluru Central Railway Station to a higher standard will be prepared within two months. The minister visited the station on Wednesday to review the progress of various railway development projects.

Addressing pressperosns, Somanna highlighted the lag in railway development between Mangaluru and Karwar, covering Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa, and Maharashtra. He stated that experts, representatives, and officials would collaborate to draft a comprehensive plan within two months.

Senior railway officials briefed Minister Somanna on the ongoing development efforts at Mangaluru Central.

In response to questions about the Valmiki Development Corporation scandal and the MUDA scandal, Minister Somanna remarked on the noticeable difference between the current Siddaramaiah and his former self during his tenure as a minister and MLA. Somanna urged Siddaramaiah to address public concerns transparently to restore his former image.

Regarding the recent landslide near Shirur in Uttara Kannada on the highway and the potential risk to railway lines, Minister Somanna assured that the railway department has its own disaster management systems, distinct from NDRF and SDRF. He emphasized that war rooms and precautionary measures are in place, especially given the heavy rainfall this season. Coordination with district officials ensures immediate action in emergencies.

Somanna also mentioned plans to discuss permanent solutions with central railway ministers, stressing the importance of uninterrupted rail service for both goods and passenger trains despite adverse weather conditions.