MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta's persistent advocacy has led the Railway Ministry to approve the integration of the Mangaluru railway region into the South Western Railway (SWR).
- Mangaluru railway region will transition to SWR's Mysuru Division effective October 1.
- The move aims to resolve administrative hurdles and accelerate infrastructure development.
- MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta has been championing this cause since June 2024.
Dakshina Kannada Member of Parliament Capt. Brijesh Chowta announced on Friday that his sustained efforts have successfully resulted in the Railway Ministry approving a long-standing demand: bringing the Mangaluru railway region under a single administrative jurisdiction—the South Western Railway (SWR).
Under the new directive, the Mangaluru area, extending up to Ullal, will be transferred from the Palakkad Division of Southern Railway (SR) to the Mysuru Division of SWR starting October 1. This strategic shift is expected to eliminate jurisdictional complexities, improve coordination, and facilitate a more robust push for railway connectivity across coastal Karnataka.
Why This Matters
Previously, the region's railway operations were fragmented across different administrative structures, making it difficult to address passenger concerns and infrastructure upgrades. BozokMedia analysis shows that this administrative unification will create a streamlined workflow, allowing for faster decision-making and a more focused investment in the coastal belt's railway assets.
With this decision, we will be better placed to address many of our railway-related concerns and ensure that Mangaluru’s railways move faster on the tracks of Vikas.
Capt. Chowta highlighted his relentless pursuit of this goal, noting that he raised the issue during the first visit of Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna in July 2024. He continued to present detailed representations to Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw through various parliamentary sessions.
Historical Background
For years, the Mangaluru railway network has been divided between different zones, creating a 'border effect' that slowed down regional development. By shifting the SWR–SR interchange point from Padil to Ullal, the Railway Board is effectively consolidating the coastal network to better serve the growing industrial and tourism needs of the region.
| Feature | Previous Arrangement | New Arrangement (From Oct 1) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative Control | Southern Railway (Palakkad Division) | South Western Railway (Mysuru Division) |
| Interchange Point | Padil | Ullal |
| Operational Focus | Fragmented | Unified/Integrated |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which division will manage Mangaluru railways now?
The Mysuru Division of the South Western Railway (SWR) will manage it.
2. When does this administrative change take effect?
The change is scheduled to take effect from October 1.
