Union Railway minister Lalu Prasad Yadav created news in the wake of his visit to the city on Monday. However, he had no time to listen to the long cherished desire of the people to have a overbridge constructed across the Upparahalli- Shettyhalli railway gate. As a result those who have been striving hard to get the overbridge constructed had to satisfy themselves by giving the news to the media personnels.

Also, whether the MoU was handed over to Mr Lalu Prasad Yadav by the Zilla Congress, Communist Party and other pro -people organisations is not yet clear. However, all these organisations without fail handed over the MoU to the media.

The MoU consists of construction of railway over bridge,  tracks and giving priority to the  appointment of Kannadigas in the railways and others.

The most important among the demands is the construction of railway overbridge across Upparahalli- Shettyhalli railway gate. The foundation stone was laid for its construction and even the contractors were appointed to undertake the work. But, alas the work did not kick start at all and it remains where it was five years ago.

Why is there such an interminable delay in the construction of railway overbridge? The answer to this question is most appropriate at this juncture as Tumkur city is growing leaps and bounds beyond these two gates. Railway overbridge is needed in Tumkur city.  Moreover, several protests were held in the city owing to the belief that the railway department was posing a hurdle in construction of the overbridge. A rail roko was also held as a mark of protest. However, the protest was withdrawn on knowing the real reasons.

When it comes to the railway department there is someting called as the ‘pink book’. A decision with regard to the construction of the rail over bridge across Upparahalli- Shettyhalli railway gate has already been taken. Once a project has been mentioned in the ‘pink book’ it would be completed for sure. However, the State government has to facilitate in the completion of this project and so the onus now lies on the government.

Moreover, the railway department has already set aside the seed amount required for the construction of the overbridge and the State government has to now act. Also, the State government has to now set aside its portion of the seed amount for the project. If the State government does not act immediately then the railway department cannot act on its own.

Thus, it can be observed that Lalu Prasad Yadav was irked and did not consider the MoU due to the delay on the part of the State government.