Thiruvananthapuram, August 22: Protests have intensified in Kerala against the Railway Board’s decision to transfer Mangaluru from the Palakkad division to the Mysuru division. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan described the decision as unilateral and objectionable, urging the central government to reconsider its stance.
Satheesan stated that this decision was made without consulting the state or engaging in any discussions. He emphasized that the state government would reach out to the central government for an immediate resolution and would send letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
“This demand for reconsideration is a unified call from Kerala,” said Satheesan. He noted that pressure would be exerted on the central government with the support of all MPs from the state.
He warned that removing the strategically important and revenue-generating Mangaluru Junction from the Palakkad division would significantly reduce its income and adversely affect its future development.
This move will also have widespread implications for the Southern Railway. The section from Ullal to Mangaluru, currently under Southern Railway, is proposed to be transferred to South Western Railway. Satheesan remarked that this would cause substantial losses to both Southern Railway and Kerala.
Political opposition to the Railway Board’s decision has also intensified. Congress Lok Sabha MPs M.K. Raghavan and V.K. Shreekantan have raised questions about the manner in which the decision was made. They pointed out that no MPs representing the affected area were informed about the proposed changes.
M.K. Raghavan stated that this move had been in preparation for several years and accused the government of attempting to shift the Mangaluru sector when a leader from Tamil Nadu held a central ministerial position. He remarked, “What is happening on this front is condemnable.”
The transfer is crucial for the Palakkad division, which has benefited significantly from passenger and freight revenue generated by the Mangaluru sector. Its removal could weaken the division’s financial foundation and impact its ability to secure resources for future development.
This controversy arises at a time when Kerala has long been advocating for a separate railway zone. CM Satheesan asserted that the state cannot remain silent while strategically important areas are being undermined under the current railway administration.
The Kerala government and MPs will now coordinate their efforts to raise this issue with the central government and demand the Railway Board withdraw or reconsider the proposed reorganization.
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