Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta met Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna in Bengaluru on Thursday to express his gratitude for integrating the Mangaluru Railway region with South Western Railway (SWR).

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Udupi-Chikkamagaluru Member of Parliament Kota Srinivas Poojary on Friday said the Railway Ministry would not reverse its decision on bringing Mangaluru Railway region from Southern Railway’s Palakkad Division to South Western Railway’s Mysuru Division.In a statement here, Mr. Poojary said Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna informed him over telephone on Friday that the Ministry would not succumb to pressure tactics from the Keralam government and political leaders. He assured the people of Karnataka that they need not worry whether the Ministry would reverse the August 21 decision.The Minister told the MP that Mangaluru’s integration with SWR was not just an issue for coastal Karnataka, but would positively impact the entire State. The decision would also boost income to the State government through enhanced and efficient operation of freight and passenger traffic.Mr. Poojary said he had earlier congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Mr. Somanna for the historic decision on Mangaluru’s integration with SWR. It was the culmination of joint efforts by the region’s representatives, past, and present. This significant decision was taken without any role played by the Karnataka government, the MP stressed. Still, the Union government has rendered justice to the people of Karnataka, he said.Stating that the integration would help augment railway infrastructure and enhance train operations in the region, Mr. Poojary said people’s representatives would continue their efforts to merge Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd. with Indian Railways. They are focused on doubling the KRCL network and bringing in new projects.Capt. Chowta meets SomannaMeanwhile, Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta met Mr. Somanna in Bengaluru and personally extended his gratitude on behalf of the people of Karnataka for the historic decision.He said he expressed his gratitude for Mr. Somanna’s guidance and for “aiding the long-pending transfer of Mangaluru to Mysuru Railway Division of SWR.” Published - August 28, 2026 06:54 pm IST