Mangaluru, November 2026 : The proposed merger of Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) with Indian Railways can move forward only after securing the consent of all four partner states — Karnataka, Kerala, Goa and Maharashtra — Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Thursday.
Speaking to reporters at Mangaluru International Airport, Vaishnaw outlined the Centre’s plans for the Konkan Railway merger, doubling of the Mangaluru-Bengaluru railway line and the launch of Vande Bharat services, among other railway developments.
The Union minister arrived in Mangaluru on Thursday night to flag off the Vande Bharat train service connecting the coastal city with Bengaluru. Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta and Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary received him at the airport, where he was accorded a traditional welcome accompanied by Chende drums.
Four States’ Approval Needed for Konkan Railway Merger
Vaishnaw said the Union government and the state governments of Karnataka, Kerala, Goa and Maharashtra hold stakes in Konkan Railway Corporation. Consequently, the proposed merger with Indian Railways requires the approval of all four partner states.
The Centre has already sent a request to the respective state governments seeking their consent. The merger process will be taken forward after the chief ministers of all four states agree to the proposal, he said.
The minister did not indicate a timeline for completing the process, making the consent of the state governments a key requirement for the proposed restructuring.
New Design for Mangaluru-Bengaluru Rail Doubling
The Centre has also accorded priority to doubling the Mangaluru-Bengaluru railway line, Vaishnaw said. The Final Location Survey (FLS) for the project has been completed, while preparations for the Detailed Project Report (DPR) are currently underway.
He acknowledged that constructing a second railway track through the Western Ghats presents significant engineering and geographical challenges. The difficult terrain and steep gradients along the existing route make the project particularly demanding.
To address these challenges, a new design is being developed for the proposed second track. Unlike the existing alignment, the new design will seek to provide a more moderate and manageable gradient.
The objective is to reduce the difficulties associated with steep climbs and descents, improve operational convenience and enable smoother train movement through the ghat section, he explained.
Mangaluru-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Service Begins Friday
The Vande Bharat service between Mangaluru and Bengaluru will commence on Friday, connecting coastal Karnataka with the state capital through a semi-high-speed train service.
Vaishnaw said several technical challenges had to be addressed before introducing the service. These included completing electrification work along the ghat section and carrying out the necessary technical modifications to the train. Both tasks have now been completed, he said.
The minister also announced that an FM radio transmitter would be inaugurated in Udupi on the occasion.
Vaishnaw Rejects Allegations of Discrimination Against Karnataka
Responding to Karnataka Minister M B Patil’s allegation that the Centre was discriminating against the state in the allocation of railway projects, Vaishnaw rejected the charge, saying there was no truth in it.
He maintained that Karnataka had witnessed substantial railway infrastructure development since the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office. Railway projects worth approximately Rs 75,000 crore are currently at different stages of implementation in the state, he said.
Vaishnaw said the Centre was prioritising major railway initiatives, including bullet trains, Vande Bharat services, Vande Bharat sleeper trains and the modernisation of railway stations.
Taking a swipe at Patil, the Railway Minister challenged him to disclose the amount of railway funding Karnataka had received during the tenure of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.
The minister’s remarks came amid the ongoing debate over railway investment in Karnataka, with the proposed Konkan Railway merger, the Mangaluru-Bengaluru line doubling and the new Vande Bharat service among the key developments discussed during his visit.
