Monday, June 13 2005 19:59 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: Karnataka Chief Minister N Dharam Singh has urged the Union Railway Minister Laloo Prasad to consider implementation of new rail projects, introduction of new rail connectivity and strengthening of existing rail routes in Karnataka.

Forwarding a presentation made to him in this context by Karnataka Pradesh Youth Congress vice-president S Mohanadass Hegde, Singh said these railway projects and running of new trains would promote trade and commerce, facilitate development of tourist places, generate additional employment and help accelerated growth and development of the economy of the region.

"They will also help the general public, especially tourists, and the pilgrims," Singh said in the letter to Laloo.

Hegde, among other things, sought introduction of inter-city train services between Mangalore and Udupi, introduction of Bangalore-Kollur (via Udupi) train services, rail connectivity between Mangalore and Raichur; between Mangalore and Bellary; between Thiruvananthapuram and Kollur; and between Kollur and Shimoga.

"Mangalore-Udupi inter-city train can be named after the man who rendered yeoman service - Koti Channaiah. T M A Pai and Sundaram Shetty were pioneers in the field of banking and they belong to this region. Hence, I suggest that two other trains may be named after them," Hegde said.