MLC urges Railway Minister to develop Padil Railway Station as satellite passenger terminal for Mangaluru

P.V. Mohan says the station should have improved platforms, shelters, lighting, drinking water, seating and other essential passenger amenities

P.V. Mohan, MLC, has urged Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw to examine the feasibility of developing Padil Railway Station as an additional major railway junction and a satellite passenger terminal for Mangaluru.

In addition, the MLC has sought a stoppage for Train No. 16596 Karwar-Bengaluru Panchaganga Superfast Express at Padil Railway Station.

In a letter to the Union Minister dated November 12, the MLC said that the strategic location of Padil Railway Station and connectivity to the Mysuru and Hassan hinterland offer an opportunity to develop the station into an important passenger and operational hub, thereby complementing the existing railway infrastructure in the city.

"Unfortunately, despite its strategic importance, Padil Railway Station has remained inadequately developed for several years. The absence of sufficient train stoppages, basic passenger amenities and safe access facilities has deprived the surrounding population of the benefits of railway connectivity," Mr. Mohan said in the letter.

He said developing the station would help distribute passenger traffic between Mangaluru Central, Mangaluru Junction and Padil, reduce congestion at existing railway stations, improve accessibility for residents of the eastern and southern parts of Mangaluru, and create opportunities for further expansion of the railway services.

Underpass or pedestrian FOB

Pressing for a pedestrian foot overbridge or a suitable railway underpass to ensure safe movement across the railway tracks at Padil Railway Station, the MLC said that the area surrounding Padil Railway Station has more than 1,400 residential households. However, inadequate road connectivity and the absence of a safe pedestrian crossing have created serious difficulties for residents.

"This is not merely an inconvenience but a serious public safety concern requiring urgent intervention," the MLC said.

He said the station should have improved platforms, shelters, lighting, drinking water, seating and other essential passenger amenities. "There should be better road access and approach facilities to the station. In addition, adequate parking and improved passenger circulation facilities are required," he said.

Seeking a stoppage for Train No. 16596 at Padil, he wrote: "Although this train passes through the Padil area, it does not stop at the station. At present, the train has a stoppage at Surathkal and thereafter passes through the Mangaluru area without a passenger halt, with its next scheduled stoppage at Bantwal. Thus, despite the existence of the Padil Railway Station along this stretch, the people of this densely populated area are deprived of the opportunity to avail themselves of this important train service."

"Providing a stoppage at Padil would substantially benefit thousands of residents, daily commuters, students, employees, businesspeople and other passengers from Mangaluru and its surrounding areas," he said.