Mysuru Activists Demand Sustainable Rail Link To Goa Revived
Railway activists and local residents are rallying behind a renewed call for a direct rail connection between Mysuru and Goa, underscoring the need for equitable mobility across Karnataka’s Western Ghats region. The push comes amid frustration over the lack of connectivity options between the two cultural hubs, despite earlier proposals to extend the Bengaluru-Murdeshwar Express. Advocates argue that a Mysuru–Goa route would not only promote sustainable tourism and regional integration but also reduce the pressure on congested road corridors currently used by thousands of travellers annually.
The stalled demand for the rail link dates back to when local groups petitioned the Railway Board to approve an extension via Arsikere, Shivamogga, and Honnavar. Activists claim that their appeals have long been overlooked despite growing public support. According to them, the proposed route would be both environmentally efficient and socially inclusive, enhancing connectivity for underserved communities in the Malnad belt. The Konkan Railway stretch, they argue, offers the geographical feasibility required for a low-carbon solution to regional transport challenges, all while promoting eco-tourism and economic opportunities in lesser-developed districts. Public transport experts highlight that this Mysuru–Goa link would align with India’s broader goals of climate-resilient infrastructure and multimodal logistics. At present, travellers must transit through Bengaluru, increasing both travel time and emissions.
A direct rail line could substantially reduce fuel dependency and bolster the use of railways as a clean energy alternative. Moreover, local voices stress that the proposed line could double up as a freight corridor for perishable goods, improving agri-connectivity across the coastal and hill regions of Karnataka. Officials suggest that the idea of expanding rail links through the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats must be balanced with stringent environmental safeguards. Nonetheless, they acknowledge that such projects can be designed to complement conservation strategies, especially if executed with minimal ecological disruption.
Stakeholders are urging the Indian Railways to undertake a fresh feasibility study that factors in new technologies, including electric and hybrid locomotives, which are better suited for operations in biodiversity-rich corridors. Civic groups also emphasise the importance of public consultation and decentralised planning in shaping sustainable infrastructure. While the fate of the Mysuru–Goa rail link remains uncertain, the growing advocacy reflects a wider sentiment in India’s tier-two cities for climate-smart and inclusive urban-rural connectivity. The proposal is more than just a travel convenience—it encapsulates a vision of equal access, regional equity, and environmentally responsible development. If pursued with the right balance of ecological wisdom and social vision, it could serve as a model for future green rail corridors that knit India’s hinterlands into its sustainable growth trajectory.
