Rail budget disappoints Mysore region

The hopes of Mysore, the next target growth city after Bangalore, of justice at least in this year's rail budget, have been dashed. None of its major demands like speedy execution of the double track and electrification of Bangalore-Mysore track and Chamarajanagar-Sathyamangalam rail link have found mention in the budget.

Expressing its anguish and continued disappointment over the neglect of Mysore region, the Mysore Chamber of Commerce and Industry said, "It is the same old story of neglect and indifference. Year after year the people of Karnataka are forced to repeat the same requests but with no avail."

Mysore region has been totally neglected especially over its projects like the Bangalore-Mysore double track, Hassan-Mangalore line, Mysore-Chamarajanagar survey up to Mettupalayam as well as Mysore-Mangalore line via Mercara.

"It is high time that the state government takes note of this with utmost seriousness. In the meantime, it should simultaneously contribute its portion of financial commitments to see that the state's projects are not delayed further," chamber secretary A S Satish said.

However, he welcomed the budget initiatives to introduce more trains as well as more bogies to the existing trains. The proposition of freight corridors for basic material transport is a welcome move but freight cost could have been made more competitive and effective as compared to road transport, he said.

"Overall the Indian Railways have turned a new leaf and it is satisfying to know that all round attention is given to satisfy every section of the society, without increasing the passenger fares or freight charges," Satish said.

Expressing similar disappointment, CII Mysore Zone chairman R Krishna said, "there is nothing in this budget for Mysore."

The CII had high hopes on allocation for doubling the rail track between Bangalore-Mysore, which has become so much essential with Mysore witnessing an unprecedented growth. "But the rail budget has not made a substantial allocation for the work to be speeded up."

Krishna said the CII was pursuing the matter with Mysore MP C H Vijayashankar. He also urged the state government to release its portion of funds for the rail project.