The railway has extended tracks of progress through Mangalore for about a century, from 1907 to 2007. The completion of the Nethravathi rail bridge on November 4, 1907 brought the first steam train right to this town opening ways for the enterprising people of South Canara to travel far and wide to widen their horizon.
Many Mangaloreans served and sacrificed lands to make railways a reality in this region. It is only their sacrifice and service that has put Mangalore on the international travel maps today.

But at present, unfortunately the yeoman services and enterprising qualities of people from this region is being sidelined. Though Madras Mail was destined mainly for South Canara, it benefited Malabar too. The demonstrations and resentments are justified as certain extraneous elements are grabbing and gaining control over our tracks and stations.

Those concerned must ensure justice. Opening rail to Bangalore is not the end but proper set up and configuration needs to be put in place for the overall development.

Our City’s old rail bridge often called Ullal bridge, celebrating 100 years of existance now must be given good care and must be beautified.

This is also a fitting ocassion to highlight and recognise the importance and the contributions to the railways and the nation by the people of South Canara.

I J S Shet,
Bolar

Plea for          pothole-free roads in M’lore
“If there is a will, there is a way!” goes a famous adage.
Accordingly if there is a administrative will, and if the necessary resources are available, it is definitely possible to restore all the main roads at least to an acceptable standards, to make the life of two wheelers & pedestrians safe.

Our young administrator, Mr M Maheshwar Rao, needs to be complimented and supported for his positive and bold initiative to set things right in the MCC limits as far as roads are concerned.

If the newly elected corporators can discuss and join hands with the Administrator and co-ordinate with the traffic police and other departments, then all the potholes, craters and puddles on these roads can definitely be filled. However, to be honest, when we see the NHAI executing the flyover work at Kottara Chowki at a snail’s pace, it creates doubt in everyone’s mind as to whether our Administrator will keep up his promise?
But the political void created in the State, this is the best opportunity available to our Deputy Commissioner to carry on these works with least political interference.

In fact, in situations like this, the citizens of Mangalore always remember and cherish the dynamic leadership of  Mr Bharatlal Meena who served this City as Deputy Commissioner with tremendous zeal and passion. We are having faith in your promise Mr Rao.

Probably, a pothole free and safe roads are the best gift administration could ever give the citizens of Mangalore.
B N R Rao,
Vivek Nagar, Kulur

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