Kochi, 24 August

Keralam Chief Minister VD Satheesan has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to pause the Railway Board’s decision to transfer the Mangaluru area, including Ullal, from the Palakkad Division of Southern Railway to the Mysuru Division of South Western Railway, effective from 1 October.

In a letter, he requested the PM's personal intervention to reconsider the move after discussions with Kerala’s government and stakeholders. He emphasised that while administrative efficiency is important, any jurisdictional reorganisation must be carefully assessed to avoid weakening railway infrastructure or development prospects.

Satheesan appealed for the transfer to be kept in abeyance and for the Ministry of Railways to revisit the decision following proper consultation with Kerala. The Railway Board announced the decision on 21 August.