Karnataka: HMRDC 'signals' right notes for capacity augmentation of Hassan-Mangaluru rail line

MANGALURU: A budget proposal by chief minister BS Yediyurappa on Hassan-Mangaluru Rail Development Corporation (HMRDC) is expected to bring lot of cheer to train activists in this part of the state. HMRDC, a joint venture of ministry of railways and state government, as per the budget proposal is planning to spend in 2020-21 to enhance the capacity of rail line in the Ghat region between Sakleshapura and Subramanya stations.
Affirming the announcement, senior official of HMRDC, on condition of anonymity told TOI that the company that is aiming to become Rs 500 crore net worth company by 2025 will take up works related to state of the art signalling in the ghat region at a cost of Rs 5 crore. This will help reduce the block section, the official said, adding this was a long pending demand that will help in optimal utilisation of the rail line and open scope for more trains.
Noting that the work will be completed in next 3 to 4 months, the official said the company has taken statutory approvals from the ministry of railways to execute the work. The proposal stated – This will not only enhance speed of commute between Bengaluru and Mangaluru but also will help commence additional rail facilities. “We are striving to introduce both freight and passenger trains in equal measure post this signalling improvement,” the official said.
Acknowledging the personal effort taken by Aparna Garg, divisional railway manager, Mysuru of South Western Railway in pushing this proposal with HMRDC, the official said this will be a win-win, not just for the company, but also general commuting public. “HMRDC for obvious reasons has resisted introduction of passenger trains at the cost of freight revenue and this new investment will help it strike a balance between the two,” the official noted.
Incidentally, the company with its vision to become a Rs 500 crore company, has stated augmenting line capacity, vigorous marketing along with SWR, NMPT and MEL, tapping the commercial/tourist potential of the section as among its avowed objectives. It is also banking on creative use of technology, taking up non-safety related works and identifying efficient methods/processes to reduce operational cost in reaching these objectives.