BANGALORE: The Indian Railways is keen on developing a network of dedicated rail lines connecting all ports. Railway Minister D V Sadananda Gowda is also eager to develop a freight corridor connecting Mangalore and Chennai through Bangalore and Hassan.
Gowda told reporters on Sunday that Mangalore is the only full-fledged port in Karnataka. Port connectivity is very important for overall development of the region. “I am planning to push for the Mangalore-Bangalore-Chennai freight corridor. We have to work out the details with the state government, the Union Surface Transport and Shipping Ministry. Similarly, Railways is also planning to implement the ‘Coal Corridor’ connecting coal mines to thermal plants,” he said.
He admitted to huge irregularities in the online ticket reservation system of the railways.
He assured a thorough overhaul of the system to eliminate corruption.
“The highest number of complaints come against the online ticket reservation system. I know there is a racket behind it. I have already discussed the issue with the officials. But this cannot be changed overnight,” Gowda said.The online ticket reservation system will be upgraded with a special software to make it easily accessible to all and eliminate any scope for corruption. The latest technology will also be incorporated, he said.
He said: “I am laying my hands into a bee hive and I have to tread carefully. Many systems need drastic changes. Some hard decisions has to be taken, which will draw public criticism. But I am prepared for this in the national interest. I can assure people that I will keep away from corruption, nepotism and selfish interests.”