-Anand Kumar Barkur
On the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami, October 12, 2024, the newly inaugurated Kundapura-Barkur-Udupi-Tirupati Kacheguppa train (Train No. 12789/12790) received a warm and enthusiastic welcome at Barkur Railway Station. The train arrived precisely at 5:30 PM, marking a significant milestone in the region's transportation infrastructure.
The grand reception was organized by a coalition of local organizations, including the Barkur Rotary Club, Ann's Club, Rotary Royal Brahmavar, Barkur Railway Struggle Committee, and the Railway Corporation Barkur Railway Station. Various other social and cultural associations from Barkur and its surrounding areas also participated in this momentous event.
As the train pulled into the station, it was greeted with cheers and applause from a large gathering of local residents and dignitaries. The platform was festively decorated, reflecting the joy and pride of the community in this new rail connection.
Several prominent figures were present to mark this historic occasion:
Mr. Prithviraj Shetty Billadi, representing the Barkur Railway Struggle Committee
Mr. Ganesh Shetty B, President of the Rotary Club Barkur
Mr. H. Ajith Kumar Shetty, Secretary of the Rotary Club Barkur
Mr. Ratnakar Shetty
Mr. Ramachandra Ganiga
The event also saw active participation from members of local social media groups, including "Nammuru Barkur" Facebook group and "Namma Barkur Namma Hemme" WhatsApp group. Members of the Shaurya Unit were also present, showcasing the wide community involvement in celebrating this achievement.
Other notable attendees included Mr. Raghavendra Shetty, Mr. Ganesh Master, and Mr. Narayan Nayak. The press was represented by Mr. Shivaram Acharya Bandimath and Mr. Harish Kiran Tunga, who were on hand to document this landmark event for local media.
The arrival of this new train service is expected to significantly boost connectivity between Kundapura, Barkur, Udupi, and Tirupati, enhancing both commercial and cultural ties between these regions. It represents the fruition of long-standing efforts by local activists and railway authorities to improve transportation infrastructure in the area.
As the train departed for its onward journey, there was a palpable sense of achievement and optimism among the gathered crowd. This new rail link is seen as a harbinger of progress and development for Barkur and the surrounding regions, opening up new avenues for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
The successful inauguration of this train service on Vijayadashami day is being hailed as an auspicious beginning, symbolizing victory and progress for the entire region. Local leaders expressed their gratitude to all who contributed to making this long-awaited project a reality, and looked forward to the positive impact it would have on the community's future.