EXCLUSIVE | No Railway Line Proposal Through Kodagu, Clarifies South Western Railway After The Kodagu Express Report

South Western Railway has clarified that no railway line proposal through Kodagu is under consideration. Representative Image.

Madikeri: Days after The Kodagu Express reported growing opposition in Kodagu to a purported railway line proposal passing through the district, South Western Railway (SWR) has issued an official clarification stating that no such project is currently under consideration and that no survey is being conducted for the proposed route.

The clarification comes amid widespread discussions on social media and concerns expressed by residents, environmentalists, and members of various organisations following reports about a possible railway line connecting Mysuru through Kaniyoor, Sullia and Napoklu.

The opposition intensified after The Kodagu Express first reported that Sullia MLA Bhagirathi Murulya and Dakshina Kannada MP Brijesh Chowta had submitted a memorandum to Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna seeking the construction of a new railway line connecting Mysuru through Kaniyoor-Sullia-Napoklu.

In a rejoinder addressed to The Kodagu Express, SWR's Chief Public Relations Officer Manjunath Kanamadi stated that there is “currently no proposal under consideration” and that “no survey is being conducted” for a railway line connecting Mysuru through Kaniyoor, Sullia and Napoklu.

The railway authority further said it wished to reassure the public and provide clarity on the issue in light of the discussions generated after the publication of the report titled “Opposition Grows in Kodagu Against Proposed Railway Line After The Kodagu Express Report.”

The issue had triggered strong reactions from several quarters in Kodagu, with many residents voicing apprehensions about the potential environmental impact of any railway project passing through the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats region. Concerns were raised over possible deforestation, disturbance to wildlife habitats and the impact on Kodagu's fragile ecosystem.

Responding to these concerns, SWR stated that it shares the public's concern for the environment and acknowledged the ecological sensitivity of the region. The railway authority emphasised that any future railway network expansion would involve detailed environmental studies and assessments before being taken forward.

“South Western Railway deeply values and shares the public's care for the environment, especially regarding the beautiful and sensitive ecosystem of the area,” the clarification noted. It further reiterated that no survey for a railway line is currently being planned in the region.

The clarification is being seen as a significant development following the public debate generated by The Kodagu Express report, which brought the issue into the spotlight and sparked widespread discussion among residents and stakeholders.

With SWR now officially ruling out any ongoing proposal or survey for the railway line, the clarification is expected to allay concerns among many residents who had expressed fears about the possible impact of such a project on Kodagu's environment and biodiversity.

If you appreciate our work, please consider supporting us with a donation. You may contribute via Google Pay, PhonePe or Paytm at: 9980855901

To advertise on The Kodagu Express website, kindly call us at 9108795369 or mail us at thekodaguexpress@gmail.com 

Join The Kodagu Express WhatsApp Group: CLICK HERE 

Follow us on Instagram and X(Twitter)