Exciting Milestone: Arebetta Crossing Station’s Tendering Process Enters Final Stages, SWR Informs MP Srinivas Poojary

Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary met with the General Manager of South Western Railway (SWR) and members of the Kundapura Railway Passengers Association at Rail Soudha in Hubballi on July 26, 2025. The meeting focused on key developments regarding the construction of a new crossing station at Arebetta, located on the Subrahmanya Road-Sakleshpur Ghat section of the Mangaluru-Hassan railway line.

During the meeting, the SWR informed Poojary that the tender process for the Arebetta Crossing Station was nearing completion. Once operational, this station is anticipated to significantly improve train handling capacity in the Ghat area, ultimately allowing for an increase in the number of trains servicing the route between the coast and Bengaluru, as well as its surrounding regions. General Manager Mukul Saran Mathur stated that the SWR has already submitted the final project report to the Railway Board for the Arebetta Crossing Station, estimated to cost around ₹34 crore.

Poojary recently addressed the crossing station’s development directly with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during a meeting in New Delhi on July 22. Minister Vaishnaw directed SWR to expedite the submission of the project report, assuring that the Ministry would finance the initiative. Poojary expressed concerns to the Minister regarding the lack of progress despite prior assurances given in the Lok Sabha during the winter session.

Mathur explained that delays in the final report’s preparation were due to the need for approval from the Hassan-Mangalore Railway Development Corporation (HMRDC), a central government entity involved in the gauge conversion project for the Hassan-Mangaluru line. Now that HMRDC has granted its concurrence, the report has been sent to the Ministry. Upon awarding of the tender, the SWR plans to complete construction of the Arebetta Crossing Station within one year.

Additionally, Poojary urged Mathur to provide further details to facilitate the merger of HMRDC with Indian Railways. The MP noted that the special purpose vehicle was causing confusion and hindering development efforts on the railway section. Mathur also announced that the SWR would present a proposal to the Board to increase the speed limit for passenger trains on the Ghat section from 30 km/h to 40 km/h. The proposal includes simplification of train crossing rules, all aimed at accommodating a larger number of passenger trains through the Ghat area.

Association President Ganesh Puthran and other members were present during this crucial meeting, which underscored ongoing efforts to enhance railway infrastructure and services in the region. These developments reflect a commitment to improving connectivity and transportation efficiency between Mangaluru, Hassan, and beyond, fulfilling the growing demands of commuters and boosting regional development.

As the project progresses, local stakeholders remain hopeful that these initiatives will bring long-awaited improvements to railway services, particularly in enhancing passenger experience and operational capacity.

This meeting not only solidifies the resolve of local leaders to advocate for better railway services but also highlights an essential partnership between government agencies and community representatives aimed at driving significant infrastructure advancements in the area.

Published – July 26, 2025, 01:52 PM IST

Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/tendering-process-for-arebetta-crossing-station-in-final-stages-swr-tells-mp-srinivas-poojary/article69857870.ece
Category : Mangaluru
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-07-26 13:52:00