Dakshina Kannada Member of Parliament Captain Brijesh Chowta said he was in dialogue with the Railway Ministry to ensure better amenities for passengers utilising Surathkal Railway Station in Mangaluru.

Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) has taken up platform roof and surface improvement work at an estimated cost of ₹2.1 crore.

During a visit to the station to inspect progress of the work on June 17, the MP interacted with reporters. Capt. Chowta said he was aware of the crucial status of Surathkal Railway Station. The station, he said, caters to thousands of employees working in industries around Surathkal as well as students in educational institutions.

The MP and Mangaluru City North MLA Y. Bharath Shetty had initiated the development work in January. He said roof shelter and surface improvement work have neared completion, and are providing enhanced comfort to passengers.

Capt. Chowta said efforts were on to double the KRCL line between Thokur in Mangaluru and Madgaon in Goa to enhance train handling capacity of the network. At the same time, he was in constant touch with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and senior railway officials to hasten the merger of KRCL with Indian Railways, the MP said.

Karnataka government, being one of the stakeholders in KRCL, is yet to convey its willingness for the merger, he added.

Capt. Chowta took a look at various facilities in the station, including the ticket counter.