The Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) in association with Undivided Dakshina Kannada District Train Passengers Association, Mangalore Civilian Action Committee and several other like-minded organisations organised a rally and protest demanding cancellation of extension of Yashwanthpur - Mangalore train to Kannur and commencement of a day train to Yashwanthpur on Saturday.
Addressing the gathering in front of the Mangalore Central Railway Station, KCCI President Srinivas S Kamath said that a promise of commencing a day train on Yashawanthpur - Arasikere - Mangalore route was not materialised even after three years. “As many as three passenger trains were plying between Mangalore and Bangalore earlier when there was meter-gauge on the route. However, the number of trains has been reduced to 1 when the meter-gauge was upgraded into broad-gauge,” Kamath said.
The Railway Ministry is keen on introducing goods trains on the route instead of passenger trains, he said adding that 6 goods trains are plying on the route at present.
Kamath said that the quota of seats allowed for commuters from Mangalore in train number 6517 will be reduced from 400 to 60 if it was extended to Kannur.
Karnataka Rakshana Vedike Working President Praveen Shetty said that though Union Minister of State for Railways K H Muniyappa belongs to Karnataka, he allowed ministers from Kerala to extend the Yashwanthpur - Mangalore train to Kannur. “This is only a warning for the Union government. Our agitation will be intensified if our demands were not met,” he added.
DYFI leader Sunil Kumar Bajal said that the Railway Ministry is trying to snatch the rights of the people of the State. “We should join hands to strengthen our agitation,” he added.
The protest rally was started from Deputy Commissioner’s Office premises after a memorandum was submitted to the Deputy Commissioner. Later, a large number of citizens belong to various organisations proceeded to the Mangalore Central Railway Station in a rally. A memorandum addressed to the Union Minister for Railways Mamatha Banerjee was handed over to the Mangalore Central Railway Station Manager P K Das. KCCI Secretary Chandrakanth Rai, Treasurer Ahmed Bawa, Dakshina Kannada Parisarasakthara Okkoota President Suresh Shetty, Udupi Railway Yathri Sangh President R L Dias, Dakshina Kannada District Bar Association President S P Changappa and Nirmal Travels proprietor Nirmala Kamath were present.
MP’s assurance
Mangalore MP Nalin Kumar Kateel addressing protesters near the Deputy Commissioner’ Office assured that he will meet Union Minister Mamatha Banerjee and discuss about demands on July 28.
“Central ministers from the State have given assurance with regard to our demands. Let us intensify our protest if they do not keep their words,” he added. Mangalore South MLA N Yogish Bhat was present.
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