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**Summary:**

Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary met with South Western Railway (SWR) General Manager Mukul Saran Mathur to discuss the delayed construction of a crucial crossing station at Arebetta on the Mangaluru-Hassan line. SWR assured the MP that the tender process is in its final stages and that the station, once completed, will significantly improve train handling capacity, allowing for more trains between coastal Karnataka and Bengaluru. The delay was attributed to the need for concurrence from the Hassan-Mangalore Railway Development Corporation (HMRDC). The MP also pushed for the merger of HMRDC with Indian Railways and advocated for increased train speeds and simplified crossing rules on the Ghat section to facilitate more passenger trains.

**News Article:**

**South Western Railway Promises Progress on Arebetta Crossing Station After MP’s Intervention**

**Hubballi, July 26, 2025:** The South Western Railway (SWR) has assured Udupi-Chikkamagaluru Member of Parliament Kota Srinivas Poojary that the long-awaited Arebetta crossing station on the Mangaluru-Hassan line is nearing construction. The announcement came during a meeting held at Rail Soudha, SWR Headquarters, where Poojary pressed for updates on the project.

The Arebetta station, situated on the challenging Subrahmanya Road-Sakleshpur Ghat section, is expected to significantly enhance train handling capacity, enabling the introduction of more trains between coastal Karnataka and Bengaluru.

SWR General Manager Mukul Saran Mathur informed the MP that the project report, estimated at ₹34 crore, has been submitted to the Railway Board, and the tender process is in its final stage.

“We understand the importance of this crossing station for improving connectivity,” Mathur stated. “The final report was delayed due to the necessary concurrence from the Hassan-Mangalore Railway Development Corporation (HMRDC), but that has now been obtained.”

Poojary, who met with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw earlier this week, emphasized the urgency of the project, pointing out previous assurances that had not yet materialized. He also urged Mathur to provide information to facilitate the merger of HMRDC with Indian Railways, citing confusion and delays caused by the special purpose vehicle.

In addition to the Arebetta station, Mathur stated the Zone would send proposal to the Board to enhance Ghat section speed for passenger trains from the present 30 kmph to 40 kmph and also to simplify train crossing rules on the Ghat section.

Poojary expressed optimism that the measures discussed would pave the way for more passenger trains to operate through the Ghat section, benefiting commuters and boosting regional connectivity.

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