Kudla Express finally flagged off

Loan pact signed for route electrification

April 09, 2017 11:08 pm | Updated 11:08 pm IST - MANGALURU

The Kudla Express in Mangaluru on Sunday.

The Kudla Express in Mangaluru on Sunday.

The Yeshwantpur-Mangaluru Junction-Yeshwantpur Tri-Weekly Kudla Express (16575/576) was finally flagged off from Mangaluru on Sunday.

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu flagged it off via videoconference from Panaji. The programme in Mangaluru was attended by Union Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda.

Introduction of the train comes after persistent struggle, including filing of a PIL writ petition before the High Court of Karnataka by Udupi Rail Yatri Sangha president R.L. Dias. South Western Railway had undertaken before the court to run the train by March 31.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Gowda said he had to boycott the Bengaluru-Hassan new lining opening ceremony last month in Mangaluru as Kudla Express was not introduced the same day. He had told Mr. Prabhu that he would not attend any Railway function till the Kudla Express was introduced. Responding to MLC Ivan D’Souza’s grouse about Mangaluru Central not being made a world-class station, Mr. Gowda said the world-class concept is not followed at present. Instead, Mangaluru has been chosen in the first batch of 400 A1 and A category stations to be upgraded by Railways, he said.

Mr. Prabhu also inaugurated electrification of rail line between Mangaluru and Chervathur, doubling of line between Jokatte and Panambur, and Railway goods siding at Thokur.

Mr. Prabhu also witnessed signing of a loan pact between Konkan Railway and a consortium of lenders comprising State Bank of India and Exim Bank for a loan of ₹1,2000 crore. KRCL will take electrification of its 748 km route network at a cost of ₹1,510 crore. While the Centre will provide ₹310 crore, the balance will be met through the loan.

0 / 0
Sign in to unlock member-only benefits!
  • Access 10 free stories every month
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.

We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.