Amidst concerns over losing steam of Palakkad, railway high-level meeting takes place at Mangaluru

Palakkad: A meeting of high-level Railway officials and people's representatives will be held under the leadership of Minister of State for Railways V Somanna in Mangaluru on Wednesday. The meeting gains significance as it is most likely to consider forming the Mangaluru Railway Division by dividing the Palakkad Division of Kerala.

Although it is informed that the topic of discussion is railway development plans and review of construction works centered on Mangaluru, it is indicated that the meeting is related to the formation of Mangaluru Railway Division. As the Mangaluru Division is being formed by dividing the Palakkad Division, the decision of the meeting will also affect Kerala. 

Meanwhile, Minister in charge of Railways in Kerala V Abdurahiman said that he has not received any official notification in this regard. Kasaragod MP Rajmohan Unnithan is also not aware of this.

The meeting will be held at 10.45 am in the hall of Mangaluru Zilla Parishad. MPs, MLAs, Zilla Parishad representatives of Mangaluru and neighbouring areas will participate in the meeting. On the part of the Railways, the General Managers, Divisional Managers and other officials of Southern Railway, South-Western Railway and Konkan Railway will participate. It has also been informed that before the meeting, Minister V Somanna will visit Mangaluru Central and Mangaluru Junction stations. The minister will also meet the media after the meeting.

Divisional move will not be allowed: Minister V Abdurahiman

The Minister in charge of Railways in Kerala V Abdurahiman said Panambur port is the main source of revenue for Palakkad division, which has the highest cargo revenue. And if Mangaluru Division becomes a reality, Palakkad will have many losses including this port. This will seriously affect the development plans of the state. 

Even though it is an issue affecting the state, the Central Government is taking many steps without informing Kerala. There is also a move to eliminate the Thiruvananthapuram Division. The Central Railway Minister and others will be approached soon against this. Abdurahiman also said that there will be a strong protest from the state government.