Karnataka has rejected proposals from Kerala Government for two railway lines to connect both the States citing that the proposed lines that will have to pass through eco-sensitive zones, and could potentially damage the environment.
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai conveyed the decision of the State to his Kerala counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan, who met the former in Bengaluru on September 18. The two proposed railway lines envisages connecting Thalassery with Mysuru and Kasargod with Dakshin Kannada.
“The bilateral meeting had been planned before when we met in Thiruvananthapuram. We have rejected the proposal connecting Kasargod and Dakshin Kannada as places around Sullia-Subramanya fall in eco sensitive zones. The railways has earlier rejected the proposal but changed its stance that the project could be taken up if both States agreed. Besides the environment issue, we feel that the line will not benefit Karnataka passengers. We cannot agree to it, “ Mr. Bommai told mediapersons after the meeting with his Kerala counterpart. This proposed line will pass through Karnataka for 45 kms and in Kerala for 31 kms.
