Chief Ministers of Kerala and Karnataka Oommen Chandy and Siddaramaiah met here on Thursday to discuss about four alternative routes to reconnect the two states.
After an outcry by environmentalists that vehicle movement on the route passing through Bandipur National Park in Chamarajnagar district is affecting wildlife and has resulted in many animal deaths, traffic was banned between 9 pm and 6 am.
Chandy asked Siddaramaiah not to oppose a proposal in the Supreme Court seeking the lifting of night traffic ban.
“We have (now) decided to approach the Supreme Court (requesting for allowing movement in convoys). We have requested the Chief Minister (Siddaramaiah) to please help us in the Supreme Court. I hope that they will consider the question,” he said.
“We have discussed the matter pending in the Supreme Court on Bandipur route. So Karnataka has proposed alternative route through Mysore-Hunsur-Gonikoppa-Kutta to connect North Kerala. Our government has spent Rs 49 crore to upgrade this road and the two states’ officials are currently monitoring the road traffic, counting out the Bandipur National Highway,” Siddaramiah said.
The two governments decided to constitute monitoring committees which will be overseen by the Chief Secretaries on both sides.
New Railway Route Proposed
The two chief ministers said that they are discussing a proposal to create a new railway line between Nanjangud in Mysore district and Nilambur in Kerala via Sultan Batheri.
“We have some difficulties regarding environmental issues. But the Kerala government will seek help of the Union government to herald this important route,” Siddaramaiah said.
When asked about jailed terror suspect and People’s Democratic Party leader Abdul Nassar Madani, Siddaramaiah said that matter did not come up for discussion during the meeting.