---
title: "Centre shifts Mangaluru rail zone, sparks Kerala critique"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/centre-shifts-mangaluru-rail-zone-kerala-reaction-3pxrh
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Politics
published: 2026-08-24T15:02:57.941Z
modified: 2026-08-24T17:00:07.576Z
language: en-IN
---

# Centre shifts Mangaluru rail zone, sparks Kerala critique

A political row erupted after a Gazette notification moved Mangaluru from Palakkad division to Mysuru division. Critics say the move is unilateral and harms Kerala's revenue, with fears of service and freight disruption.

## Key takeaways

- A Gazette notification reassigns Mangaluru from Palakkad division to Mysuru division, affecting coastal Karnataka.
- Kerala politicians describe the move as unilateral and discriminatory, citing potential revenue losses.
- Officials warn that services and freight originating from Mangaluru could be redirected, impacting Palakkad division financially.

## What Happened

The move involves transferring the Mangaluru region from the Palakkad division of Southern Railway to the Mysuru division of the South Western Railway, as reflected in a Gazette notification that also brings coastal Karnataka areas such as Ullal and Mangaluru under the Mysuru division. Congress leader and former Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Mullappally Ramachandran described the decision as unilateral and politically motivated, alleging it was issued without informing Kerala’s MPs or the state government. Separately, Rashtriya Janata Dal State president M.V. Shreyams Kumar condemned the Railway Board’s decision, stating that all 80 services originating from Mangaluru would be shifted to the Mysuru division and warning of adverse freight movement and a potential loss for the Palakkad division. Published on August 24, 2026, the report notes these reactions as part of a broader critique of the restructuring.

## Why It Matters

Critics argue the shift could financially disadvantage Kerala by reducing revenue from freight and overall division earnings. Mullappally Ramachandran asserted the move could lead to at least ₹600 crore in freight revenue loss and a 70% drop in the Palakkad division’s annual revenue. He linked the timing to Karnataka electoral considerations and accused the Centre of advancing policies favoring corporate interests and land sales in the railway sector. Shreyams Kumar highlighted that the change could disrupt rail services emanating from Mangaluru, contributing to further revenue and operational challenges for involved divisions.

## Background

The core change centers on reorganizing which railway division manages the Mangaluru region and parts of coastal Karnataka. Kerala politicians have long pursued a demand for a separate railway zone, and opposition figures framed this shift as part of ongoing disputes over jurisdiction and resource allocation within Indian rail administration. The article frames the move within a broader pattern of reactions from political figures in the region.

## Key Facts

- Mangaluru region moved from Southern Railway’s Palakkad division to Mysuru division of the South Western Railways.
- The Gazette notification includes coastal Karnataka areas such as Ullal and Mangaluru.
- The notification was issued without informing Kerala MPs or the Kerala state government, according to Mullappally Ramachandran.
- Estimated impact cited: at least ₹600 crore freight revenue loss and a 70% reduction in the Palakkad division’s total annual revenue.
- Shreyams Kumar stated that all 80 services from Mangaluru would shift to the Mysuru division, with potential freight movement effects and Palakkad becoming loss-making.
- The reactions quoted occurred on August 24, 2026, with statements issued in the same day.

## What Happens Next

The article records public reactions from political figures, including calls for protest and condemnation. It does not specify official government steps, timelines, or next moves from railway authorities beyond the initial notification and subsequent commentary from political leaders.

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/centre-shifts-mangaluru-rail-zone-kerala-reaction-3pxrh
Reported from: Multiple Sources