Doubling All Konkan Railway Tracks Is My Priority: Ashwini Vaishnaw
Udupi: Doubling all railway tracks along the Konkan Railway route is a priority, and efforts will be made to ensure the successful implementation of the project, Union Minister for Railways, Information and Broadcasting, and Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accorded high priority to the development of the Konkan region and coastal Karnataka, with several development projects in the region receiving approval from the Union Government, he said.
The minister was speaking on Friday after inaugurating a 1-kilowatt FM transmitter operating at 101.9 MHz at the Akashvani station in Ajjarkad, Udupi.
“There is considerable scope for development along the Konkan Railway route. Work has already commenced on constructing 10 railway overbridges and two tunnels. Several projects are also being planned to further improve railway connectivity in the region,” Vaishnaw said.
Referring to Indrali Railway Station, he said it was an important railway station in Udupi district and that necessary steps would be taken to upgrade it. He had instructed a team of officials to examine whether constructing an additional platform would benefit more passengers.
Along with improving passenger amenities, efforts should also be made to increase railway ridership, he said, adding that development works should give due importance to the region’s traditional architectural style.
Udupi is an important centre of religion and education. Taking these aspects into consideration, facilities would be improved in accordance with the district’s requirements, and development projects would be implemented, he said.
Byndoor Railway Station, which serves as an access point to the famous Kollur Sri Mookambika Temple, would also be developed, he added.
Regarding the proposed merger of Konkan Railway with Indian Railways, Vaishnaw said the proposal required the approval of the four states of Karnataka, Kerala, Goa and Maharashtra. Efforts were continuing to take the process forward.
Reiterating the importance of Udupi Railway Station as a key railway facility in the coastal region, he said all efforts would be made to upgrade it. The station would be developed by incorporating elements of local heritage and traditional architecture.
The Vande Bharat Express service connecting Bengaluru, Mangaluru and Madgaon has improved connectivity for people in the coastal region and made travel more convenient for passengers, Vaishnaw said.
There is also a proposal to operate the service from Madgaon through the coastal region, connecting Mangaluru with Bengaluru, which would further improve transport connectivity for people in the region, he added.
Responding to a question on the regulation of YouTube and other web channels, the minister said that YouTube channels must take responsibility for the content they publish.