Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday to relinquish the state's share in Konkan Railway Corporation. This move aims to facilitate a merger with Indian Railways, which is essential for line doubling. Poojary said, "A consensus decision would soon be taken to protect the interests."
Udupi-Chikkamagaluru Member of Parliament Kota Srinivas Poojary on Tuesday, urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to expedite relinquishing the State's share in Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd., (KRCL) in favour of the Indian Railways to facilitate the former's merger with the latter.
Meeting Mr. Fadnavis at the State secretariat in Mumbai, Mr. Poojary explained to the Chief Minister the urgent need for the merger of the central PSU, formed under the visionary leadership of Late George Fernandes, to provide rail link on the West coast. The 750-odd km KRCL network from Roha in Maharashtra to Thokur in Karnataka was in urgent need of line doubling as the single track was incapable of handling the increased demand for more trains, freight as well as passenger. Doubling was also essential for the future growth of the economy in the region.
Mr. Poojary told Mr. Fadnavis that at least ₹40,000 crore was estimated to be required for line doubling and improving railway infrastructure on KRCL network. However, KRCL was not in a position to fund such a mega project. He noted that Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had announced in the Lok Sabha that if stake-holding States in KRCL relinquish their shares in favour of the IR, the Ministry could merge the Corporation. Therefore, Maharashtra too should consider relinquishing its share.
The MP said Kerala and Goa governments have already conveyed their willingness to relinquish their shares, while Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar too has said the Karnataka government would extend its cooperation for the railway development in the State. If the Maharashtra government too agrees for the merger, it would pave for line doubling and overall improvement of KRCL network.
Mr. Poojary in a statement here said Mr. Fadnavis responded positively to his plea by saying it was an important matter with regard to railway connectivity in the Konkan region. A consensus decision would soon be taken to protect the interests of the travelling public, he said.