Single Platform Creates Passenger Difficulties During Train Crossings
-Anand Kumar Barkur
Barkur, Karnataka - In response to mounting public complaints and appeals from the Barkur Railway Welfare Committee, Udupi-Chikkamagaluru Lok Sabha Member Kota Srinivas Poojary conducted an inspection of Barkur Railway Station today, highlighting critical infrastructure deficiencies that have been causing significant inconvenience to passengers.
The Problem
The primary issue stems from Barkur Railway Station having only a single flat platform, which creates operational challenges when the Matsyagandha Express from Mumbai needs to cross other trains at the station. During these crossing procedures, passengers alighting at Barkur face considerable difficulties due to the inadequate platform infrastructure.
The situation has generated numerous public complaints, prompting the Barkur Railway Welfare Committee to formally approach parliamentary representatives for intervention.
Parliamentary Intervention
Following the committee's appeal, MP Kota Srinivas Poojary arrived at Barkur Railway Station accompanied by senior railway officials to assess the ground situation firsthand. During his inspection, the MP engaged in detailed discussions with railway authorities regarding the urgent need for infrastructure improvements.
Proposed Solutions
After evaluating the station's current limitations, MP Poojary instructed railway officials to prepare comprehensive cost estimates for several crucial infrastructure projects:
- New Platform Construction - Additional platform facilities to accommodate passenger traffic and reduce congestion
- Loop Line Development - Installation of loop lines to facilitate smoother train operations and crossings
- Foot Overbridge Construction - A pedestrian overbridge to ensure safe passenger movement across railway tracks
Official Participation
The inspection and planning meeting saw participation from key railway and local officials:
Railway Officials Present:
- Asha Shetty, Regional Railway Officer, Karwar
- Vijay Kumar, Civil Engineer
- Gautam Kundapur, Railway Activist
- Ganesh Putran
Barkur Railway Welfare Committee Representatives:
- Shantaram Shetty, Barkur (Committee Leader)
- Prathviraj Shetty Billadi
- Prakash Shetty Yadthadi
- Ganesh Shetty
- Ratnakar Shetty
- Devadas Hoskere
Looking Forward
The railway authorities have been tasked with preparing detailed project estimates and feasibility reports for the proposed infrastructure developments. This initiative represents a significant step toward addressing the long-standing passenger convenience issues at Barkur Railway Station.
The MP's intervention demonstrates the government's commitment to improving railway infrastructure in the region, particularly in addressing the operational challenges faced by one of the important stations along the Mumbai-Mangalore railway corridor.
Local residents and regular commuters have welcomed this development, hoping for swift implementation of the proposed infrastructure improvements that would significantly enhance the passenger experience at Barkur Railway Station.