Railway projects on the Konkan coast will get more funds from the Union government only if the Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd. (KRCL) is merged with the Indian Railways. Steps will soon be taken to effect the merger, said Kota Srinivas Poojary, MP for Udupi-Chikkamagaluru, on Friday.

Addressing a gathering at Udupi railway station in Indrali after inaugurating lifts installed at platforms one and two at a cost of ₹2.26 crore, he said the governments of Karnataka, Kerala, Goa and Maharashtra have stakes in KRCL. Of these, the governments of Kerala and Goa have already transferred their shares to the Union government. There have been some delays in Karnataka in this process, he said.

“I have spoken to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who has assured me of full cooperation. Similarly, discussions have been held with U.T. Khader, who is the in-charge minister of the three coastal districts. I am confident that the State’s shares will be handed over to the Centre soon,” he said.

Mr. Poojary said approval from the Maharashtra government is required for the merger process and efforts would be made to secure its consent.

The MP said he was confident that a Vande Bharat train would operate between Karwar and Bengaluru via Udupi. A pilot survey is under way in this regard, he said.

Mr. Poojary said a ₹14.50 crore proposal had been submitted to the railways for the comprehensive development of Barkur railway station. If the grant is sanctioned within two months, work on various basic facilities, including a shelter, will be taken up.

Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna, Udupi Urban Development Authority chairman Dinakar Heroor and others were present.

Published - July 17, 2026 06:34 pm IST