M’lore-B’lore train
At least for the reason that the year 2007 could engrave the golden moments of a historical event in her heart, which the last 12 years could not achieve, she should be congratulated. Yes, it is nothing but the reintroduction of Mangalore-Bangalore passenger train service after its upgradation into broad-gauge. The development has realised the dream of thousands of people, who had been waiting the train service since 1995. The rapid progress of four-laning works of a certain stretch of NH 48 on one side, and the assurance of more number of trains between Mangalore and Bangalore have opened up several avenues of development.

Airport milestones
In the meantime, the Mangalore Airport has witnessed magnanimous progress by having more number of flights, both national and international. May it be the arrival of Airbus 321 of Kingfisher Airlines - the biggest aircraft to touch the Bajpe airport (January 31); or the commencement of Abu Dhabi - Muscat - Mangalore flight from Air India Express (February 15); or even the arrival of the first Doha-Bahrain-Mangalore flight (March 25), the Mangalore airport has continuously witnessed several milestones in the chronology of 2007. Similarly, in the domestic front, introduction of flights to Goa and Calicut have helped a number of persons.

The marvellous air show by the Suryakiran Formation Aerobatics Team on the skies of Panambur beach provided a rare opportunity to the people of this region to understand all facets of the IAF’s greatest professionalism in the first part of April. Thousands of spectators gathered on the beach remained spellbound towards the adventures of daredevil members of the Suryakiran team.

Rural development
The silent revolution of rural development in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and neighbouring districts got a newer dimension with the Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project celebrating its silver jubilee (April 14). The mantra of “inclusive development” which Mr Bhairon Singh Shekhavat, the former Vice President of India suggested on the occasion, rekindled the fundamental philosophy of the project which had been lighting the life of the poorest of the poor for the past 25 years. The Apna Desh movement, the dream child of Mr Bharathlal Meena, has also added its visions to the progress of the rural areas of this district. The Mahamasthakabhisheka to Bhagavan Bahubali and the platinum jubilee celebration of all-religion and literary meets at Dharmasthala are also the notable events which played a significant role in redefining the harmony, heritage of the region.

Private FMs
Launch of two private FM radio channels in a gap of two weeks in the same year has added to the communication revolution of DK and neighbouring districts. While the Mangalore Akashvani is still popular among the people for its creative ideas, the Radio Mirchi 98.3 FM and Big 92.7 FM  have been launched which have already started creating an impression in the minds of youth because of their entertainment content.

Hot air balloons
It was this year’s Karavali Utsav that brought a rare opportunity to the people to have a bird’s eye view of the City by having a thrilling ride on hot air balloons and para sailing.  Though the hot air balloon show could not satisfy all those in the queue because of the cross winds, it could be included in the chronology for making a first time entry into the district.