The Union government’s decision to remove Mangaluru from the Palakkad Railway Division was aimed at appeasing the BJP in Karnataka, alleged V.K. Sreekandan, MP, here on Saturday (August 22, 2026).

Breach of assurance

Addressing the media, Mr. Sreekandan said that Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had assured Keralam that the Palakkad Division would not be divided. The decision to transfer Mangaluru out of Palakkad is a breach of that assurance and a betrayal of Keralam, Mr. Sreekandan said.

The Union Railway Ministry issued the bifurcation order without consulting Keralam’s MPs or the State government, Mr. Sreekandan said.

He alleged that the decision was taken without informing the State government or giving it prior notice.

He said Mangaluru was a major source of revenue for the Palakkad division and that removing the region would weaken the division’s finances. A reduction in revenue and development funds could eventually lead to the closure of the Palakkad division, he warned.

Mr. Sreekandan said the move would affect railway development in Keralam. He announced protests against the decision and said MPs and the public would raise the issue both inside and outside Parliament.

The MP also said that he would press the Railway Ministry to reverse the decision.

Published - August 22, 2026 07:33 pm IST