Mangaluru under Mysuru railway division: Kozhikode MP seeks reversal of new order

Mangaluru, which has been part of the Palakkad railway division, will now fall under the Mysuru division of the South Western Railway, according to a directive issued by the Railway Board on August 21. This change has drawn immediate criticism from Kozhikode MP M.K. Raghavan, who has called for the decision to be reversed. In a statement, Mr. Raghavan accused the Railway Board of making an “unjust” move that threatens the development of rail infrastructure in the Malabar region. The shift affects key railway operations in the area, including the management of freight activities at the Mangaluru port and the administration of major stations such as Mangaluru Central and Mangaluru Junction. These stations have historically contributed significantly to the financial stability of the Palakkad division. By transferring them to the Mysuru division, Mr. Raghavan argues, the Palakkad division risks losing critical revenue streams that support ongoing and future development initiatives. In his appeal, Mr. Raghavan highlighted the potential consequences of the decision, noting that the move could hinder efforts to introduce new train services and expand existing routes that serve the Malabar region. He emphasized that many current services pass through Mangaluru, and the administrative realignment might complicate the planning and execution of these services. The MP also warned that this change could jeopardize the long-term viability of the Palakkad division, particularly for passengers traveling in northern Kerala. Mr. Raghavan further expressed concern over the broader implications of the decision, stating that the Railways have been slow in addressing the needs of the Malabar region in terms of service expansion and modernization. He argued that removing a revenue-generating hub like Mangaluru from the Palakkad division represents a direct challenge to the interests of local commuters and the overall development agenda of the region. As a result, he has requested an explanation from the BJP leadership in Kerala regarding the rationale behind the decision. The MP has also announced plans to organize a mass protest against the decision, signaling growing public discontent with the administrative restructuring. His call for action reflects a broader sentiment among local stakeholders who believe the change undermines regional priorities and disrupts established operational frameworks. The situation underscores the tension between centralized administrative decisions and localized developmental needs within the railway system. Looking ahead, the response from the Union Railway Ministry and the Railway Board will be crucial in determining the course of action. While the decision has been finalized, the political and administrative backlash suggests that there may be further deliberations or revisions. The outcome of these discussions could influence how railway resources are allocated and managed in the Malabar region moving forward. For now, the focus remains on the impact of the decision and the potential for a larger movement advocating for more equitable resource distribution across different railway divisions.