Opinions on whether Kodagu needs a train or not

Madikeri, Feb. 4: The situation has currently created such that the implementation of the project is impossible in Kodagu, which is known as the only district in the state without a railway connection. Along with this, there is also a debate about the project for and against.

Efforts have been going on for many years to build an 89 km long railway from Mysore to Kushalnagar. Kodagu's son-in-law, former Union Railway Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda, was also very concerned about this. Former MP Pratap Simha had also pledged to do the railway project. Some processes, including the final location survey, had taken place in this regard. The Center approved it in 2019 and it was also recorded in the Pink Book. However, it has come to light that the project has been abandoned because the South Western Railway divisional officials have reported that there is no benefit from this project in the long term.

Current MP Yaduveer said that the project has not been canceled. It has just been stalled. The delay in the project is being blamed on the state government's policy of delay.

On the other hand, the Congress opposed the MP's statement and said that it was stopped because it would not generate adequate revenue, and it is not right to point fingers at the state government, said KPCC spokesperson M. Lakshman. The railway project is now being seen as a political debate.

The total cost of this project is likely to be 3100 crores, and the central government had approved an amount of 1,854 crores. There was a proposal to acquire 1379 acres of land. Amidst all this, environmentalists are alleging that there is no benefit from this project. Some politicians, including traders, have taken the stand that Kodagu needs a railway.

Reason for the delay in the state's policy: Yaduveer

The proposed rail link project from Mysore to Kushalnagar has been stopped, not canceled. Mysore Kodagu MP Yaduveer Wodeyar has alleged that the delay in the state's policy is the reason for the setback in this project.

The state government was supposed to undertake the land acquisition process in the areas where this railway project will pass. But despite many requests, it has not undertaken the land acquisition process and has followed a policy of delay. Thus, the rail connectivity project has been delayed. Once again, the state government is requested to convince the state government about the project and start the land acquisition process. The reason for the delay in the project is that the project is not economically viable for rail connectivity. Sometimes, it is more important to focus on the possibility of providing rail connectivity to the targeted places than looking at economic benefits.

State government's response is needed: D.V. Sadananda Gowda

Former Chief Minister and Union Railway Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda said that the state government should give appropriate response to the implementation of the railway project along with the land acquisition process.

The state government should also put pressure on the Kushalnagar-Mysore railway project. I had used the railway project when I was the Chief Minister. The state government will conduct the land acquisition process. We have implemented it by making the center bear the remaining amount. Despite the problem of land acquisition, the state government should seriously consider the project and try to implement it. There is no separate budget for the railway. There is every opportunity to formulate the necessary funds and a new project. There is no need to announce it in the budget itself, he said.

There is a need for a study: Ponnanna

There is a need for a study on the Kushalnagar-Mysore railway. It is not right to make empty accusations against the state government after dismissing the fact that the railway department itself is not profitable, said the Chief Minister's legal advisor and Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna.

This issue should not be politicized. There are pros and cons on whether Kodagu needs a railway or not. If it is said that there is a benefit from this project and there is no harm to the environment, it should be explained to those who are against it. If it is said that there is no benefit, it should be explained to those who are in favor of the project. Public opinion is very important in this matter. The BJP should make a statement after understanding the report of the railway department. Childish statements should not be made for political hatred. If the Railway Department submits a supplementary report on this and states that there is no harm to the environment and life of the people of Kodagu, I will also draw the attention of the state government. Ponnanna clarified that it can only proceed after a public opinion.

Rejected as unprofitable: Mantar

The South Western Railway Division has rejected the railway project as unprofitable. The state government can take this project to the next stage only after it is approved, said Madikeri Assembly constituency MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda.

It is not right for the central government, which has done injustice to Karnataka in the budget, to blame the state government on this issue now. He said that the state government cannot do anything since the department itself has made it clear that this project is not profitable in the long run.

Lack of willpower: Suja

It is regrettable that the Mysore-Kushalnagar railway line has been suspended. The main reason is that the state government has expressed disagreement over the land arrangement and sharing of money for the project. Legislative Council member M.P. Suja Kushalappa has complained that the ambitious project has been lost due to the lack of willpower of the state government.

An anti-development government is currently in the state. How can development be expected in such a situation? He expressed dissatisfaction that the 14-year dream of the people of Kodagu has been thrown into cold water.

Cooperation of the state government is essential - Pratap Simha

Former MP Pratap Simha said that cooperation of the state government is essential for this project to be realized.

When he was an MP, Kushalnagar-Mysore district

Disclaimer: This article has been translated by xklsv.com using advanced AI-based translation tools. Please note that the use of AI for translation is still experimental and may not be 100% accurate. The original content is sourced from shakthidaily.info, and Shakthi Daily is not responsible or liable for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies that may appear in the translated version, including spelling, grammar, or contextual misunderstandings.

If you come across any mistakes or inconsistencies in this translation, we kindly request you to report them by sending an email to [email protected]. Your feedback will help us improve the quality of our translations.