KCCI Submits Memorandum to Union Railway Minister for State, V. Somanna

KCCI Submits Memorandum to Union Railway Minister for State, V. Somanna

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, July 17, 2024: The Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has submitted a memorandum to the Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Railways, V. Somanna, highlighting key issues and suggestions to improve railway services in the Dakshina Kannada region. KCCI President, CA Ananthesh V Prabhu, presented the memorandum at the Zilla Panchayat Hall in Mangaluru on 17th July 2024.

The memorandum addresses several priority areas aimed at benefiting the general public and enhancing trade and commerce in the region. KCCI’s delegation included Hon. Secretaries P.B. Ahmed Mudassar and Ashwin Pai Maroor, Past President of KCCI and Chairman of the Railways Sub-committee of KCCI, Rammohan Pai Maroor, Director  B.A. Nazir, and KCCI representative for Divisional Railway Users Consultative Committee (DRUCC), Ahmed Bawa.

The key issues outlined by KCCI are as follows:

Railway Services

• Introduction of Vandhe Bharat Trains: KCCI advocates for the introduction of Vandhe Bharat trains from Mangaluru to Bengaluru and Mangaluru to Mumbai, considering the high passenger traffic for leisure, employment, and business purposes.

• Extension of Vande Bharat Train: The memorandum requests the extension of the Vande Bharat train from Thiruvananthapuram Central to Mangaluru station, instead of its current destination at Kasargod station (train Nos. 20633 and 20634).
• Additional Train Services: More trains are needed from Mangaluru Central to Mumbai, Bijapur, Mysuru, and Hassan.
• Reinstatement of Navyug Express: KCCI urges the reinstatement of Navyug Express (16687) from Mangaluru to Jammu Tawi.
• Parcel Booking Service at Kayamkulam: The memorandum highlights the need to reinstate the parcel booking service and extend the unloading time at Kayamkulam station to facilitate trade for dry chilli merchants in Mangaluru.

Passenger Amenities

• Wheelchairs for Needy Passengers: There is a need for wheelchairs for aged, physically handicapped, and other needy passengers at both Mangaluru Central and Mangaluru Junction railway stations.

• Health Centre: KCCI emphasizes the importance of re-establishing a health centre at Mangaluru Central station to provide first aid and immediate medical attention to passengers.
• Matsyagandha Train Stop: The memorandum requests a stop for Matsyagandha train (Nos. 12620 & 12619) at Mangaluru Junction station.
• Passenger Escalator: The passenger escalator at Mangaluru Central station is currently one-way. KCCI requests that it be made available for both directions.
• Emergency Quota Facility: KCCI seeks to shift the emergency quota facility from Palakkad to Mangaluru station and replace the fax system with email/WhatsApp for emergency quota requests.
• Railway Under Bridge Repair: The memorandum highlights the need to repair the water-logged railway under bridges at Padil – Bajal and Padil – BC Road during monsoon.
• Completion of Mahakalipadpu Project: KCCI requests the completion of the twin railway under bridge project in Jeppu, Mangaluru.
• Battery Operated Cars: The need for battery-operated cars (buggies) at Mangaluru Central station is emphasized.
• KSRTC Bus Facilities and Escalator: More KSRTC bus facilities and a passenger escalator are needed at Mangaluru Junction.
• Railway Over Bridge: KCCI highlights the inconvenience caused by the goods shed shift from Bunder to Ullal and requests an immediate solution to the traffic congestion at Pandeshwar railway gate crossing road.

Other Matters

• Inclusion in ZRUCC: KCCI requests its inclusion under the Principal Chambers of Commerce and Trade Associations in the Zonal Railway Users Consultative Committee (ZRUCC).
• Shift of Railway Division: The memorandum urges the shift of the railway division from Palakkad to Mangaluru to ensure better attention to the region’s needs, considering Mangaluru’s significant contribution to freight revenue.

KCCI’s detailed memorandum aims to address the critical needs of the Dakshina Kannada region, enhancing both passenger amenities and trade facilitation through improved railway services.