Minister inspects Birur Railway Station, institutes additional stoppage on Bengaluru-Goa route, for traveller convenience

Minister of State for Railways, V. Somanna, recently flagged off the additional stoppage of Train No. 17309 Yesvantpur–Vasco Da Gama Express at Shivani Railway Station.

On the occasion, Somanna also inspected facilities and ongoing development works at Birur Railway Station.

The event was attended by Kota Srinivas Poojary, Member of Parliament (Udupi–Chikkamagaluru), G.H. Srinivasa, MLA (Tarikere), Mudit Mittal, Divisional Railway Manager, Mysuru, senior railway officials and members of the public.

Speaking on the occasion, Somanna highlighted that more than 61 Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) works were currently in progress under the South Western Railway, aimed at transforming passenger amenities and infrastructure.

He said that the Chikjajur–Ballari doubling line (185 km) work was being executed at a cost of ₹3,340 crore, while work at Birur and Tiptur railway stations was progressing rapidly.

He further stated that 97 percent of the electrification work had already been completed and 100 percent electrification was likely to be completed by December 2025.

To enhance safety and convenience, 644 crossings have been provided with Road Bridges.

Somanna also emphasized that the Indian Railways was committed to providing better facilities for differently-abled passengers and improved amenities for all travellers.

Under the “One Station, One Product” initiative, stalls have been opened at 89 stations, promoting local artisans and self-employment opportunities, the Minister added, and reiterated that safety was the topmost priority, with technologies such as ‘Kavach’ — an indigenous Automatic Train Protection System —being implemented to ensure collision-free train operations.

The additional stoppage of Train No. 17309 Yesvantpur–Vasco Da Gama Express at Shivani Railway Station will benefit passengers from Shivani and nearby areas by providing them with direct connectivity to major destinations such as Bengaluru, Hubballi, and Goa, thereby improving regional mobility and convenience.