MLC P. V. Mohan Urges Union Railway Minister to Develop Padil as Major Railway Junction and Satellite Terminal for Mangaluru
- Seeks Immediate Stoppage for Panchaganga Superfast Express, Improved Passenger Amenities and Safer Railway Access
New Delhi: Karnataka Legislative Council (MLC) member P. V. Mohan has urged Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to develop Padil Railway Station in Mangaluru as an additional major railway junction and satellite passenger terminal for the city.
In a representation submitted to the Union Railway Minister, Mohan sought comprehensive railway infrastructure development at Padil, an immediate stoppage for Train No. 16596 Karwar–Bengaluru Panchaganga Superfast Express, and improvements to essential passenger amenities and safety facilities.
Highlighting Mangaluru’s nearly 120-year railway history, Mohan noted that the city is one of South India’s important railway gateways, connecting coastal Karnataka with Bengaluru, Kerala, Goa, Mumbai and other major destinations.
Mangaluru Central and Mangaluru Junction (Kankanady) have traditionally served as the region’s principal railway stations. However, the growing population, expanding residential areas, commercial activities and increasing passenger movement have created a need for decentralised railway infrastructure.
In this context, Mohan said Padil Railway Station has considerable potential to be developed as an additional major railway junction and satellite passenger terminal. Its strategic location and connectivity toward the Mysuru–Hassan hinterland make it suitable for development as an important passenger and operational hub, complementing Mangaluru’s existing railway infrastructure.
Despite its strategic importance, Padil Railway Station has remained inadequately developed for several years, with insufficient train stoppages, basic passenger amenities and safe access facilities.
Padil Railway Station as a Major Junction and Satellite Terminal
Mohan has urged the Ministry of Railways to examine the feasibility of developing Padil as an additional major railway junction and satellite passenger terminal, equipped with extra platforms, improved passenger amenities, better connectivity and operational facilities.
Such development, he said, would help distribute passenger traffic between Mangaluru Central, Mangaluru Junction and Padil, reduce congestion at existing stations, improve accessibility for residents of the eastern and southern parts of the city, and create scope for expanding railway services.
Considering Mangaluru’s importance as a commercial centre, educational hub and major port city, he described the proposed development as a forward-looking investment in the transportation infrastructure of coastal Karnataka.
Immediate Stoppage for Panchaganga Superfast Express
One of the key demands in the representation is an immediate stoppage at Padil for Train No. 16596 Karwar–Bengaluru Panchaganga Superfast Express.
Mohan pointed out that although the train passes through the Padil area, it does not halt at the station. After its stoppage at Surathkal, the train passes through the Mangaluru area without a passenger halt, with its next scheduled stoppage at Bantwal.
He said the absence of a stoppage at Padil deprives residents of this densely populated area of convenient access to an important train service.
A halt at Padil would benefit thousands of residents, daily commuters, students, employees, businesspeople and other passengers from Mangaluru and neighbouring areas. It would also provide convenient access to Bengaluru and other important destinations without requiring passengers to travel to distant railway stations.
Describing this as a reasonable and practical demand, Mohan urged Railway authorities to examine and approve the proposed stoppage without delay.
Urgent Need for Passenger Safety and Basic Infrastructure
Drawing attention to the difficulties faced by residents near Padil Railway Station, Mohan stated that more than 1,400 residential households are located in the surrounding area.
However, inadequate road connectivity and the absence of a safe pedestrian crossing have created serious difficulties for local residents. People travelling from one side of the railway line to the other are often compelled to cross the tracks, exposing themselves to considerable danger.
Schoolchildren, senior citizens, women and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to such risks. He emphasised that this is not merely an inconvenience but a serious public safety concern requiring urgent intervention.
The representation seeks the following facilities:
Construction of a pedestrian foot overbridge or a suitable railway underpass to ensure safe movement across the tracks.
Improvement of platforms and provision of shelters, adequate lighting, drinking water, seating and other essential passenger amenities.
Better road connectivity and approach facilities to the station.
Adequate parking and improved passenger circulation facilities.
Additional train stoppages and improved passenger services based on local requirements.
Revised Railway Jurisdiction Offers Opportunity for Development
Mohan also highlighted that, following the recent reorganisation of railway jurisdiction, Padil now falls under the Mysuru Division of South Western Railway, instead of its earlier association with the Palakkad Division of Southern Railway.
He said this administrative change provides an opportunity to give focused attention to the region’s long-pending infrastructure requirements and integrate Padil more effectively with the Bengaluru–Hassan–Mangaluru railway corridor.
Expressing confidence in the Union Minister’s leadership and the Ministry’s continued focus on railway modernisation, Mohan said the development of Padil should be taken up as a priority initiative.
He added that elected representatives of the region, including the local Member of Parliament and concerned legislators, as well as local civic organisations, support the proposals. The Government of Karnataka is also willing to extend the necessary cooperation, including assistance relating to land and other requirements, wherever needed.
Five Key Requests to the Railway Ministry
In his representation, Mohan has sought the Union Minister’s personal intervention and appropriate directions to the Chairman and senior officials of the Railway Board, the General Manager of South Western Railway and the Divisional Railway Manager of Mysuru Division to:
Undertake a detailed feasibility study and prepare a comprehensive development plan to establish Padil as an additional major railway junction and satellite passenger terminal for Mangaluru.
Provide an immediate stoppage for Train No. 16596 Panchaganga Superfast Express at Padil Railway Station.
Sanction a pedestrian foot overbridge or underpass and other essential passenger safety facilities.
Upgrade the station by providing adequate platforms, passenger amenities and improved access infrastructure.
Convene a meeting with the concerned Railway authorities and local public representatives to discuss and expedite the implementation of these proposals.
Mohan emphasised that the people of Padil and surrounding areas have waited too long for these basic railway facilities.
He said the demands go beyond securing an additional train stoppage and reflect the larger aspirations of the people for better connectivity, passenger safety, regional development and equitable access to public infrastructure.
Developing Padil as an additional major railway junction and satellite passenger terminal, he noted, would strengthen the railway network of coastal Karnataka while addressing the long-standing grievances of local residents and creating opportunities for economic activity, employment and regional development.
Mohan expressed hope that the Union Railway Minister would consider the representation favourably and take the necessary steps to fulfil the long-standing aspirations of the people of Mangaluru.