CPI(M) demands introduction of Bangalore-Mangalore train services

Mangalore, Aug 14 (UNI) Activists of CPI(M) today stopped 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 District unit secretary K R Sriyan who addressed the protesters criticised the Member of Parliament from Mangalore and BJP state unit president D V Sadananda Gowda for not making sufficient efforts in this regard.

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

Meanwhile, M Veerappa Moily, the chairman of Central Administrative reforms commission while in an interactive meeting at the Kanara chamber of commerce and industry here yesterday said that the services would begin at the end of the ongoing monsoon.

The railway safety board had given its approval for running the passenger trains on the line. However, due to landslide and other problem, the commencement of passenger train service had delayed, he added.

UNI