B.Y. Raghavendra, Shivamogga MP, has requested the Ministry of Railways to take the proposed Shivamogga-Sringeri-Mangaluru railway line via Tirthahalli.
He was speaking after kick-starting the work on upgrading the railway station in Arasalu village near here on Wednesday.
He said the physical survey work for the 220-km-long Shivamogga-Sringeri-Mangaluru project that links Malnad and coastal Karnataka regions has already been completed. Approval from the Ministry for the actual work is expected shortly. As Tirthahalli taluk is dotted with spots of tourist attraction like Kuppalli, the proposed line should be realigned and taken via Tirthahalli town to boost tourism. He sought stoppage of all trains that ply between Talaguppa and Shivamogga at Arasalu and Kumsi railway stations.
On the proposed Shivamogga-Shikaripur-Ranebennur railway line for which the survey has already been completed, he said the State government should come forward to implement the project with the Railways on cost-sharing basis.
H. Halappa, Sagar MLA, pressed the Railway officials to take measures to commence the work related to Talaguppa-Siddapur railway line. The residents of remote villages in Malnad region of Shivamogga as well as Uttara Kannada districts would benefit from this project, he said.
A.K. Singh, General Manager of South Western Railway, said that the railway station in Arasalu village would be developed at a cost of ₹1.3 crore. The work of raising the height of platforms, resurfacing the platform, construction of platform shelter and toilets would be taken up with the amount.
Mr. Raghavendra also laid foundation stone for the work of upgrading the railway station in Kumsi village nearby.
