Udupi: Udupi-Chikmagalur MP Kota Shrinivas Poojary said that Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has agreed to release Rs 110 crore to develop Udupi railway station into a world-class station under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS).The passenger amenities at the railway station will be improved in line with international standards under the scheme, he said. The MP was speaking after unveiling various works completed at the station, including platform surfacing and a shelter for the FOB, developed at a cost of Rs 2.6 crore on Wednesday.Stating that there is a need for doubling the tracks between Mangaluru and Karwar, the MP said that the existing single line caused significant delays. “We do not know whether the Konkan Railway will be merged with the Indian Railways or not, but the doubling of the tracks is very essential. The minister responded positively to the demand. All major works under Konkan Railway need to be taken up immediately,” he said.The MP noted that people of three coastal districts will benefit if the Vande Bharat Express from Bengaluru runs up to Karwar. The Madgaon – Mangaluru Vande Bharath Express should be extended up to Bengaluru. A demand to extend the Mangaluru – Madgaon Vande Bharath Express to Mumbai is yet to be fulfilled, the MP said.“I am confident that the railway ministry will consider the demands of coastal Karnataka positively. The Udupi City Municipality submitted a proposal seeking to rename the Udupi railway station as Sri Krishna Railway Station. The demand will be forwarded to the railway ministry,” he added. MLA Yashpal Suvarna, Gurme Suresh Shetty, and railway officials were present.
