Mangaluru: A development project worth Rs 2.9 crore has been approved to provide better infrastructure for passengers at the Kabaka-Puttur railway station, said Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta.Under this project, a large shelter will be constructed on Platform No.1 at Kabaka – Puttur railway station at a cost of Rs 2.9 crore. Currently, the station has only a 531 sqm shelter for passengers. Now, funding has been secured for the construction of a large shelter covering 3,392 sqm. The process of identifying the location for the shelter construction has been completed, and work will commence soon. Once completed, this project will provide more convenience for passengers at the Kabaka-Puttur railway station, the MP said.Additionally, there is a proposal to install two lifts for the FOBs of platforms No. 1 and 2 to facilitate easy movement for passengers at the station. This is estimated to cost Rs 1.3 crore, and the project is currently under review at the railway central office, according to the MP.“Understanding the need for the development of the Kabaka-Puttur railway station, I wrote to the general manager of South Western Railway in Nov 2024, requesting action to extend the shelter. I highlighted the difficulties faced by passengers in boarding trains during harsh weather conditions, such as intense heat in summer and rain during the monsoon,” Capt Chowta said.Taking the issue seriously, the MP advocated for the necessary funding for the platform shelter extension, which has now been approved. On behalf of passengers and the railway users’ association, the MP has thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union minister of state (MoS) for railways V Somanna, and the railway department for approving the funding for the station’s development.Strengthen anganwadis: MPThe MP said he has urged in the Lok Sabha for necessary measures to empower anganwadis and early learning centres to address mental health and learning challenges in young children. “Under Rule 377, I highlighted that there are over 16.5 crore children aged 0-6 years in India, with many attending anganwadis and pre-primary educational institutions. However, there is a lack of identification, awareness, and appropriate solutions for mental issues like ADHD and dyslexia, as well as learning deficiencies at this stage. Strengthening anganwadis and pre-primary institutions is essential for protecting children’s mental health and supporting their development,” he said.
