The administrative realignment will shift the section from the Palakkad Division of Southern Railway to the Mysuru Division and will come into effect from October 1, 2026.

KCCI said the move could strengthen Mangaluru‘s rail connectivity with other parts of Karnataka and create new opportunities for trade, commerce and regional economic development.

Improved connectivity expected to boost trade

KCCI president P B Ahmed Mudassar said the administrative change would help improve Mangaluru’s railway connectivity with the rest of Karnataka.

According to the Chamber, better rail connectivity could expand market access for businesses, facilitate the movement of goods and support economic activity across the region.

Mangaluru is an important commercial centre and gateway for the coastal region, with businesses depending on efficient transportation networks to move raw materials and finished products.

KCCI said closer administrative alignment with the Mysuru Division could provide opportunities to improve railway services and infrastructure connecting Mangaluru with destinations across Karnataka.

The Chamber expects the change to contribute to stronger freight movement and improve the overall business environment in the region.

Railway network divided among three zones

KCCI pointed out that Mangaluru’s railway network has remained divided among three railway zones for several decades.

The Chamber said the fragmented administrative structure had resulted in coordination challenges and delays in decisions concerning new trains, service improvements and infrastructure projects.

According to KCCI, bringing the Mangaluru section under the Mysuru Division of South Western Railway could help streamline administrative coordination.

The Chamber said the realignment could make it easier to pursue proposals related to passenger services, freight operations and railway infrastructure.

It also expressed hope that the new administrative arrangement would lead to more effective coordination between Mangaluru and the railway authorities responsible for the region.

Industry welcomes administrative realignment

KCCI said the decision was the outcome of sustained efforts by passenger associations, civic groups and industry representatives who had advocated for changes to the existing railway administration.

The Chamber credited these groups with consistently raising concerns about the difficulties caused by the existing arrangement and seeking a more integrated railway administration for Mangaluru.

KCCI also acknowledged the role of Mangaluru MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta in pursuing the issue with the Union Railway Ministry.

The Chamber said the MP had raised the matter in Parliament and worked towards securing the administrative change.

The decision has therefore been welcomed by the business community as an important development for the coastal city’s railway infrastructure and connectivity.

New opportunities for freight movement

The Chamber particularly highlighted the potential benefits for trade and freight transportation.

Improved railway connectivity can provide businesses with an additional mode of transporting goods over longer distances and potentially reduce dependence on road transportation.

For industries operating in and around Mangaluru, efficient freight movement is important for accessing markets across Karnataka and beyond.

KCCI said the administrative realignment could create an environment conducive to expanding rail-based freight operations.

The Chamber also expects improved coordination to support future proposals relating to railway infrastructure and services required by businesses and industries in the region.

KCCI thanks Railway Ministry

KCCI expressed its appreciation to the Union Government and the Railway Ministry for implementing the Railway Board’s decision.

The Chamber said it was looking forward to the official Gazette notification formalising the administrative realignment.

It also expressed its willingness to work with the new railway administration to address issues relating to connectivity, passenger services, freight movement and infrastructure development.

The change is scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2026, marking a significant administrative shift for the Mangaluru railway section.

Coastal Karnataka looks towards stronger rail links

The railway realignment comes amid continuing efforts to improve transportation infrastructure in Coastal Karnataka.

Mangaluru’s location as a major commercial and industrial centre makes efficient rail connectivity important for both passengers and businesses.

KCCI believes the integration of the Mangaluru section with the Mysuru Division could help strengthen connections between the coastal city and the interior regions of Karnataka.

The Chamber said the move should be followed by efforts to introduce new services, improve existing connections and develop infrastructure according to the growing requirements of passengers and industry.

With the administrative change set to take effect from October 1, stakeholders will now be watching for the Gazette notification and the subsequent transition to the new railway administration.

KCCI said it looked forward to cooperating with South Western Railway and other stakeholders to ensure that the realignment translates into tangible improvements in connectivity, trade and economic development.

The Chamber maintained that the decision represents an important opportunity to address longstanding coordination issues and create a more efficient railway framework for Mangaluru and the surrounding region.