TEAM HERALD
BELGAUM: Admitting that rail connectivity between Karnataka and Goa had been neglected all these years despite having sufficient traffic, Union Minister for Railways Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday assured to provide a better railway network and to comply with the long-pending demands of the region.
Kharge was addressing a gathering at Londa after laying the foundation for the Rs 928 crore project as part of the first phase for doubling of the railway line between Hospet and Tinaighat. The actual work began no sooner the minister gave the green signal to the commencement of the project that will be completed by December 2015.
“The rail connectivity between Karnataka and Goa has been neglected all these years. Despite having sufficient traffic and urgent need, the work was delayed all these years. Though I have a very short tenure of less than a year left with me, I will do everything possible for a better railway network and comply with the long-pending demands of the people of the region,” stated Kharge.
He added that the UPA government has initiated measures for doubling of the railway network all over India.
Speaking on the occasion, Karnataka Minister for Higher Education R V Deshpande demanded the immediate implementation of the second stage of doubling of railway line between Tinaighat and Vasco. “Goa has been saturated as far as tourism is concerned, hence an increase in number of trains between Goa and north Karnataka would facilitate foreign tourism in north Karnataka that has several tourist and world class heritage sites,” said Deshpande. He also demanded a shuttle service between Londa and Dandeli to facilitate tourism in the region.
Karnataka ministers Satish Jarkiholi, Prakash Hukkeri, MPs Suresh Angadi, Prabhakar Kore, Ramesh Katti, Karwar MLA Satish Sail, Divisional Manager of South Western Railway S K Mittal and senior officials were present.
