175 railway level crossings identified; tenders invited for constructing overpasses and underpasses at 75 locations

Caption: Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna addressing a press conference at the Government Guest House in Nazarbad yesterday as MLA T.S. Srivatsa, former MP Prathap Simha, City BJP President and former MLA L. Nagendra and others look on.

Mysuru, Sept. 5 (BLU&BCT)- Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna has announced that all Railway level crossings within 100-kilometre radius of cities, including Mysuru, will be systematically removed and replaced with overpasses or underpasses to enhance safety and ensure smoother transit.

Addressing a press conference at the Government Guest House in city yesterday, Somanna revealed that out of 175 railway level crossings identified, tenders have been invited for constructing overpasses and underpasses at 75 locations.

He assured that during the current three-year term of the Government, all remaining level crossings will be eliminated and upgraded with modern infrastructure.

Responding to increasing demand for additional Vande Bharat trains connecting Mysuru with other cities, Somanna said a new plan is being drawn up to reduce passenger congestion between Bengaluru, Mysuru and Tumakuru. “Details of this initiative will be announced soon,” he added.

After his engagements in Mysuru, Somanna visited Srikanteshwaraswamy Temple in Nanjangud and offered prayers.

The Minister also assured that steps will be taken to revive the long-delayed railway underpass project in Mysuru. After consultations with officials and local stakeholders, he said a dedicated meeting would be convened to kick-start the construction process.

On the recent reduction in GST rates for several goods, Somanna dismissed the Opposition’s allegations that the move was politically motivated ahead of the Bihar elections. He clarified that the revisions were part of a broader reform initiative, announced in line with the Dasara festival and to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 12 years in office.

“Elections come and go, but policies must serve the people,” Somanna said, adding that the Union Government is committed to public welfare and strengthening the economy. He praised Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for her tireless efforts to improve the country’s financial health.

Responding to Congress’ claims that the GST revisions would harm State revenues, Somanna termed the allegations baseless and asserted that no State has been targeted.”

The press meet was attended by Krishnaraja MLA T.S. Srivatsa, former MP Prathap Simha, City BJP President and former MLA L. Nagendra and District BJP President Subbanna.

At Nanjangud

Somanna announced that the proposed Railway overpass near Bhargavi Cinema on Rashtrapathi Road in Nanjangud will be built as per the original alignment, without any deviation.

The project is scheduled to begin within two months and is expected to be completed and operational by 2026. Somanna inspected the proposed stretch, walking from the Agrahara area to Bhargavi Cinema to gather public feedback before addressing the media at the Tourist Guest House.

“I’ve listened to the concerns of residents regarding the overpass alignment,” Somanna said. “Rather than diverting the route as previously suggested, the overpass will follow the original plan — starting from the fourth turn on Rashtrapathi Road and ending in front of the Brahmin Association Office.”

He added that this decision meets a long-standing demand of Nanjangud residents.

Somanna also addressed complaints about the problematic railway underpass on Mahatma Gandhi Road, which has caused serious inconvenience due to water-logging. He assured that a team of officials would be sent soon to carry out repairs and implement measures to prevent water accumulation. If repairs are not feasible, he said, a permanent solution will be considered.

Free Museum entry

Legislative Council Member K. Vivekananda urged Minister Somanna to grant free entry to school children at the Railway Museum during the upcoming Dasara festivities.

Vivekananda pointed out that a similar initiative was implemented last year, allowing students to explore the Museum without charge.

He appealed for the arrangement to be continued this year as well, emphasising that such an opportunity would spark curiosity and interest in the Railway sector among young learners while enhancing their knowledge and awareness.