Bengaluru, April 9 (NationPress) Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, along with Minister of State for Railways, V. Somanna, conducted a thorough inspection of the railway infrastructure along the Bengaluru–Mysuru corridor on Thursday.

The inspection commenced at KSR Bengaluru City Railway Station, where the ministers engaged in a "window trailing" inspection by train, assessing the ongoing development initiatives up to Mysuru.

Accompanied by senior railway officials from the South Western Railway division, the ministers were joined by public representatives from constituencies adjacent to the railway line.

Throughout the journey, they meticulously evaluated various infrastructure elements, including the construction status of underpasses, overbridges, and other projects aimed at enhancing safety and connectivity.

Kumaraswamy discussed with Minister Somanna and senior railway officials about pending railway initiatives in the Mandya, Ramanagara, and Mysuru Lok Sabha constituencies in southern Karnataka. The discussions aimed to expedite current projects and address infrastructure shortcomings in the area. This joint inspection is part of broader efforts to bolster rail connectivity and accelerate development along one of Karnataka's vital railway routes.

In a media interaction during the journey, Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy described his five-hour train trip from Bengaluru to Mysuru as a distinctive experience, during which he evaluated railway development efforts along the route.

He noted that he, along with Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna, departed from KSR Bengaluru City Railway Station at 10 a.m. and arrived in Mysuru by 3 p.m., conducting inspections through window trailing.

Kumaraswamy reminisced about his extensive train travels across the state in the past, expressing joy at the opportunity to travel by train again and connect with people along the route, labeling it an exhilarating experience.

He stressed that railway transport is crucial for public transit systems, serving not only passenger movement but also commercial needs, considering it the backbone of the nation. He acknowledged that rail connectivity between Bengaluru and Mysuru is already robust, and discussions are ongoing to enhance it further under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.

Detailed conversations were held with Minister Somanna regarding the enhancement of railway stations in the Ramanagara, Mandya, and Mysuru districts, increasing train services, ensuring significant trains stop at these stations, boosting commercial activities, and generating job opportunities.

The ministers reviewed all level crossings and deliberated on building underpasses where necessary. They also consulted with railway officials on upgrading stations such as Maddur, Srirangapatna, and Pandavapura.

Kumaraswamy confirmed that the Railway Board has approved the stoppage of the Wadiyar Express at Ramanagara, with services set to commence shortly. He mentioned that he previously discussed this with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister Somanna, indicating that this stoppage would benefit local residents.

He noted that the current station in Maddur is over 100 years old and situated far from the town, necessitating the construction of a new, well-equipped station. Minister Somanna responded positively, assuring immediate action.

Once land is secured, officials will be dispatched for a survey. Due to rising passenger traffic, a second station is deemed essential. The existing station will also undergo upgrades and modernization, anticipated to be completed within six months.

Senior officials are expected to visit Maddur shortly for inspections. Requests for additional train stoppages at the station will also be assessed.

At Nidaghatta, near Maddur, the ministers paused the special train to engage with villagers, addressing the urgent need for a railway underpass. Villagers presented petitions requesting the construction of underpasses to facilitate agricultural activities and smooth vehicular movement. The ministers assured that surveys would be conducted, and work would commence soon after the reports are submitted.

At Hanakere railway station, the ministers listened to public grievances and evaluated the station's condition, promising developmental actions. Villagers raised concerns about frequent railway gate closures at level crossings, impacting farmers, sugarcane transport vehicles, and schoolchildren. Kumaraswamy urged railway authorities to expedite the construction of overbridges or underpasses.

The ministers also made stops at Yeliyur, Pandavapura, and Srirangapatna stations to gather public grievances.

Kumaraswamy engaged in discussions regarding public representations with Minister Somanna and senior railway officials, advocating for swift resolutions to the issues raised.

Somanna assured that all petitions would be evaluated and that necessary actions would be implemented within one to two weeks, followed by further meetings.

Kumaraswamy mentioned his request for additional train stoppages in Mandya, the introduction of more DEMU services, and halts for significant trains.

He emphasized that Mandya, positioned between Bengaluru and Mysuru, serves as a crucial hub for agriculture, commerce, and tourism. Therefore, he advocated for the development of Mandya railway station into a modern, well-equipped facility with extra platforms and enhanced infrastructure for passenger convenience.

In response, Kumaraswamy stated that with support from Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister V. Somanna, the Mandya station is already being transformed into a modern facility. He added that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, railway stations nationwide are being upgraded to resemble airports, with a similar transformation planned for Mandya.

Senior railway officials, including South Western Railway Divisional Manager Ashutosh Kumar Singh (Bengaluru), along with former ministers D.C. Thammanna, C.S. Puttaraju, Sa.Ra. Mahesh, and Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, were present during this inspection tour.