A video grab of Dakshina Kannada Member of Parliament Captain Brijesh Chowta speaks in support of the Finance Bill 2026-27 at the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, in New Delhi.
Dakshina Kannada Member of Parliament Captain Brijesh Chowta on Tuesday, urged the Union Finance Ministry to give go ahead for the merger of Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd., (KRCL) with the Indian Railways.Speaking at the debate on Finance Bill 2026-27 in the Lok Sabha, Capt. Chowta said the merger was essential to address KRCL’s current structural problems. It was also essential for the full-fledged development of the Konkan Coastal Region in the West Coast of India.The MP said the Railway Minister has already responded positively to this and opined that it is imperative to take this ambitious project of George Fernandes’ era to the next level.InfrastructureCapt. Chowta laid special emphasis on the development of infrastructure and logistics in Dakshina Kannada and asserted that improving road connectivity was essential for the optimum utilisation of the New Mangalore Port.In this regard, he requested to expedite the works of the Mangaluru-Bengaluru Expressway Corridor and Mangaluru Bypass. He also wanted the Railway Ministry to expedite the detailed project report preparation for the new line on Shiradi Ghat for Mangaluru-Bengaluru line. Along with this, Mangaluru was most suited for the ‘City Economic Region’ project announced by the Central Government and he requested the Finance Minister to consider it on priority.Sea erosionThe MP expressed concern that the severe sea erosion in Ullal and Someshwar parts was not just a temporary problem, but an existential challenge. He urged the Central Government to formulate a scientific and comprehensive coastal protection plan and release special funds to protect the fishermen’s houses and public property from damage.Other issuesCapt. Chowta also drew the attention of the House to important issues including fiscal discipline, tax reform, national security, cooperative federalism and welfare of ex-servicemen. He welcomed the increased allocation for the defence sector and the boost given to indigenous defence production. He also requested the Finance Minister to extend the pension benefits to the disabled soldiers who, despite being seriously injured during their service, serve loyally till retirement.The MP regretted that cooperative federalism though was essential, in Karnataka, due to the non-cooperation and delay of the State Government in implementation of important schemes like Jal Jeevan Mission and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, the funds remain unused. Published - March 24, 2026 08:33 pm IST
