SWR invites tenders for final location survey of Hassan-Mangaluru new rail line

Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta said that economic activities in coastal Karnataka, particularly in Dakshina Kannada, would have thrived had there been robust rail and road connectivity. Unfortunately, both have not been in proper shape. Hence, he is working hard to bring in seamless connectivity by rail and road, he added.

The South western Railway (SWR) has invited tenders for final location survey (FLS) of a new line (single/double) between Hassan and Mangaluru for a length of up to 247 km. The present rail distance between Hassan and Mangaluru via Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road Ghat stretch is about 189 km.

On January 4, while inviting bids, the Chief Administrative Officer of SWR also said the zone intends to get an FLS done for Castle Rock-Kulem new double line (72 km) on the Londa-Vasco-da-Gama section.

The scope of FLS for Hassan-Mangaluru new line includes preparation of a detailed project report, geo-technical investigation, signal works and operating work for construction of a new single / double line.

January 29 is the last date to submit the bids. The selected contractor would have to complete the survey within a year. SWR has earmarked about ₹21 crore for the FLS of both the lines.

Sources in the SWR said the estimated distance was more compared to the present route as the railways wanted to have a flatter gradient to avoid operational constraints. Also, the new alignment, that is yet to be fixed, would be away from the existing route, sources added.

Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta told The Hindu that he had been demanding capacity augmentation of existing Hassan-Mangaluru line via Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road ghat section. Though the Railway Ministry has already sanctioned doubling and electrification of the existing line, constructing the second line along the present alignment is nearly impossible because of steep valleys and hills, he said.

As such, the MP wanted the Ministry to work on a new line entirely different from the present alignment, and conduct a comprehensive survey for the same.