Mangaluru Railway Area to Come Under South Western Railway; KCCI Welcomes Long-Awaited Decision
Mangaluru: The Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) welcomed the Railway Board’s decision to transfer the Mangaluru railway area, up to and including Ullal, from the Palakkad Division of Southern Railway to the Mysuru Division of South Western Railway (SWR), effective October 1, 2026.
KCCI President P.B. Ahmed Mudassar said the decision would open up new opportunities and further integrate the region with the rest of Karnataka. It would enable local businesses to access new markets, create greater opportunities for local products, and have a multiplier effect on the regional economy.
He said the decision resulted from a long-standing demand from Mangaluru.
“Our railway network has been split across three zones for too long, creating coordination gaps that delayed the introduction of new trains, service upgrades, and infrastructure spending. This has been a shared concern of passenger groups, civic organisations, and the industry alike, and we are glad to see it happen,” he said.
The Chamber recalled its representations to the Union Ministry of Railways over the past several years seeking the transfer.
KCCI also thanked Mangaluru MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta for consistently pursuing the demand since assuming office, including raising the issue in Parliament and following it up directly with the Ministry of Railways.
The Chamber expressed its gratitude to the Union Government and the Ministry of Railways for advancing the decision.
“This is a real step forward for coastal Karnataka. We look forward to the Gazette notification and to working with the new administration on what comes next,” Mudassar added.