MP lays foundation for devpt of Mulki, Surathkal railway stations

Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta laid the foundation stone for the platform surfacing and platform shelter works at Mulki Railway Station on Thursday. The MP also laid the foundation for the developmental work of the Surathkal Railway Station platform.For many years, locals have been demanding the provision of adequate infrastructure, including platform development, at the two major railway stations on the coast, Surathkal and Mulki. Due to the lack of necessary facilities at these stations, passengers, especially locals, faced significant issues, the MP stated."When the matter of development of two railway stations was brought to my attention, I immediately engaged in discussions with the relevant railway officials and the ministry of railways. Additionally, I took special interest and consistently followed up on the issue, ultimately succeeding in fulfilling the long-standing railway demands of the locals," the MP said.Suratkal hosts several educational institutions and industries employs thousands of workers, and there is local commuting between Mumbai and Surathkal. The railway is a key link for their travel, and many rely on the Surathkal station, which is connected to Mangaluru, from a tourism perspective as well.At the Surathkal railway station, platform development (surface) work will be carried out at a cost of Rs 47.5 lakh, and platform roofing construction will be undertaken at a cost of Rs 1 crore. Similarly, at the Mulki station, which serves as a major junction where several trains stop, platform development (surface) work will be carried out at a cost of Rs 38.5 lakh, and platform roofing construction will be undertaken at a cost of Rs 1 crore, the MP said."I thank our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, minister of state for railways V Somanna, whom we requested for the expedition of these long-sought upgrades during his visit to Mangaluru," he said.Mulki-Moodbidri MLA Umanath Kotian was present at the programme in Mulki railway station and Mangaluru City North MLA Y Bharath Shetty participated in the programme at Surathkal.