Ashwini Vaishnaw wants railways, ports & industries to grow together: Asks MPs, officials to draw up 25-year infrastructure plan for coastal Karnataka

Railway infrastructure, port operations and industrial development in coastal Karnataka should not be planned in isolation, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said. He has called for a unified 25-year roadmap to coordinate development across these sectors and strengthen the region's economic potential. At a meeting with elected representatives, government officials and stakeholders at the Deputy Commissioner's office on Friday, the minister asked Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta and Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary to coordinate the exercise.

The proposed consultation will bring together industries, Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL), New Mangalore Port and the public. The objective is to identify infrastructure requirements and prepare a long-term development blueprint that can be implemented in stages.

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Vaishnaw said a comprehensive plan would help authorities prioritise projects and execute them systematically over the coming years.

Bengaluru-Mangaluru railway line doubling among key priorities

One of the major projects discussed was the proposed doubling of the Bengaluru-Mangaluru railway line. The route presents engineering challenges because of the Western Ghats, but the Railways is moving ahead with the detailed project report (DPR).

Vaishnaw said officials had been instructed to identify sections where construction could begin without waiting for the entire DPR. Relatively flat stretches with fewer technical complications could be taken up earlier, he indicated.

Doubling the route is an important requirement for improving rail capacity between Bengaluru and the coastal belt. It could also support smoother passenger and freight movement between the two regions.

Mangaluru's railway jurisdiction shifted to South Western Railway

Another significant development highlighted at the meeting was the transfer of Mangaluru's railway jurisdiction to South Western Railway from October 15.

Previously, the city was affected by administrative divisions between Southern Railway and South Western Railway, which the minister said had created difficulties for its railway development.

Vaishnaw said the jurisdictional issue had remained unresolved for around 35 years before the change was implemented. He credited the Centre's leadership for taking the decision.

Rs 98 crore announced for Mangaluru Central station development

The region's railway infrastructure plans also include improvements at three important stations: Mangaluru Central, Mangaluru Junction and Udupi.

Work has been taken up to develop these stations, while a separate railway station has been proposed near Mangaluru airport to improve access to the area.

Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta said Vaishnaw had announced Rs 98 crore for the development of Mangaluru Central railway station.

New Mangalore Port seeks stronger rail links for cargo movement

Improving freight connectivity was another important part of the infrastructure discussion.

Sushil Kumar Singh, chairman of the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) and Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), emphasised the need to strengthen railway links connecting Mangaluru with Bengaluru and its hinterland.

He called for the doubling of the Mangaluru-Bengaluru route and better rail infrastructure to facilitate cargo movement from the port to inland destinations.

Stronger rail links could help improve logistics efficiency, support industries and increase the movement of goods through New Mangalore Port.

Vande Bharat Express makes inaugural journey from Mangaluru

Vaishnaw's visit also included the flagging off of the inaugural Vande Bharat Express from Mangaluru Junction.

After the launch, the railway minister travelled on the train and interacted with passengers during stops at Kabaka Puttur and Subrahmanya Road railway stations.

Chowta described the train's arrival in Puttur as a significant occasion for the region, referring to the area's association with Mahalingeshwara temple.

The proposed 25-year master plan, alongside railway doubling, station upgrades and improved port connectivity, places integrated infrastructure development at the centre of coastal Karnataka's long-term growth agenda.


Inputs from agencies