CPI(M) demands Bangalore-Mangalore passenger train service

Mangalore, Aug 14 (UNI) Activists of CPI(M) today detained Mangalore-Mumbai Matsyagandha Express for 30 minutes here demanding introduction of passenger rail services between the city and Bangalore.

Though the broad gauge conversion of the line connecting the two cities, which passes through hilly terrain in Hassan and Dakshina Kannada district, was completed more than one year ago, the Railway authorities had allowed only goods trains in the line and people of the district had been pressing for introduction of passenger trains.

The activists, who sat on the railway track at the Mangalore railway station here, were arrested by the railway police and released later.

CPI (M) Karnataka unit Secretary B Madhava warned that if the Railway Ministry did not take immediate steps to commence the passenger train service, the party would intensify the agitation.

Central Administrative Reforms Commission chairman M Veerappa Moily, at a meeting at the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry here yesterday, had said the services would begin at the end of the monsoon season.

The Railway Safety Board had given its approval for running passenger trains on the line. However, due to landslide and other problems, the commencement of service was delayed, he added.

UNI