'B'lore-M'lore train will not be allowed to go to Kannur'

If the authorities concerned do not withdraw the move to extend Bangalore-Mangalore train till Kannur, the BJP along with all other political parties and various associations will not allow the train to go to Kannur, said MP Nalin Kumar Kateel.

Speaking to media persons here on Saturday, Nalin said that the Central government has done a great injustice to the people of coastal region, by extending the train till Kannur.

“Though there was a demand for a day-train to Bangalore from Mangalore, the Railway ministry has not considered the just demand of Mangaloreans. On the contrary, the only train service has been extended till Kannur,” he said and regretted that Mangaloreans would lose several benefits, if the train was extended till Kannur. It includes reduction of seats allotted to Mangalore from the existing 400 to 60. Besides, if the train is extended till Kannur, then it will ply via Mangalore junction (formerly known as Kankanady station), which means that the passengers of Mangalore will have to go to Mangalore junction instead of Mangalore Central.

Nalin said that he would urge the ministers concerned to extend the train to Kundapur or Karwar instead of Kannur so that it will benefit the people of coastal region. He said that a delegation would meet Minister of State for Railways K H Muniappa on Monday. “Muniappa has assured to set right the anomalies within a week, failing which we would stage rail roko protests,” he said.

Referring to the move to upgrade Mangalore railway station, he said: “When the train facilities are not available for the people of coastal region, what is the point in upgrading the railway station?”

Speaking on the occasion, MLA N Yogish Bhat said that the existing tri-weekly Bangalore-Kannur train could be extended till Mangalore so that the needs of the people of both Kannur and Mangalore will be fulfilled. At the same time, he also urged the minister to extend the Mumbai-Karwar train till Mangalore so that it would be of great help to Mangaloreans. Referring to the extension of train from Mangalore to Chennai till Pondicherry, he said that the move will be of no help to the people of coastal region. He also appealed the Minister to include Mangalore and Gulbarga region in South Western region so that the port connectivity gets a boost.