MP Kateel failed to implement Centre’s projects in DK, says MLC

Mangaluru, Jan 13: Member of Legislative Council Ivan D’Souza said MP Nalin Kumar Kateel has failed to implement the Union government-sponsored projects, including the railway projects, effectively in the district.

Briefing media persons here recently, he said there is no proposal before the Southern Railway to upgrade Mangaluru Central Railway Station into a world-class railway station as announced by the then Union minister for railways Mamatha Banerjee in the 2009 railway budget.

D’Souza, who is also the State government representative in Zonal Railway Users' Consultative Committee, said the world-class railway station project announced in the budget has not been taken up till now.

The MLC, who attended the committee meeting held in Chennai on January 6, said the Railways has been ignoring the demands of the people of the region. “Even the MP has failed pursue the proposals with the Railways. The demands, like setting up of separate Mangaluru division, upgradation of railway station and extension of a few trains originating from Mangaluru Junction have not been fulfilled,” he claimed.

“When I raised the issue of converting Mangaluru Central Railway Station into a world-class railway station at the committee meeting, the General Manager of the Southern Railway said that there was no such concept on world-class railway station. The railways never implemented any such proposals of developing a railway station anywhere in the country. Only necessary infrastructure will be developed at Mangaluru railways stations,” he said.

He said the demand to increase the number of stoppages for Mangaluru Mangaluru Central - Madgaon Intercity Express, extension of the train to Dadar, and others have been ignored by the railways.

He said the officials at the meeting told him that extension of train services comes under the purview of the Railway Board and it needs to be taken up by the Konkan and Central Railways. He said he had sought the extension of Mangaluru Central - Madgaon Intercity Express up to Dadar.

To another query on operation of a new night train between Mangaluru and Bengaluru via Hassan, the officials said it is not feasible due to infrastructure constraints.

“MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, who is representing Dakshina Kannada district, should bring the issue to the notice of the Railway Ministry. He should question the ministry officials as to why the proposal on world -class railway station is not being taken up,” D’Souza said.

“The MP is not serious on issues related to railways. Apart from this, the problems related to national highway and upgradation of Nanthoor Circle have also not been taken up. The MP has failed to coordinate between the Union and the State government’s implementing agencies on the development works related to railways and national highway projects,” the MLC charged.