Bantwal: Railway passengers walking into Bantwal railway station were in for a surprise when they noticed the construction of welcome arch at the entrance, compound walls, renovation of the washrooms, and refurbishing waiting rooms in quick time. Despite their repeated plea to the railway authorities earlier, nothing happened on the ground. Finally, passengers were curious to know the reason behind the quick development and they came to realise that it was all due to the railway minister’s visit, due on October 1st.

The central railway minister Suresh Prabhu is expected to inaugurate the model railway station in Puttur and then proceed to Dharmasthala with a brief stopover at Bantwal. He is likely to be the chief guest at the valedictory function of ‘alcohol forbearance camp’ being held in Dharmastahala. Certain railway officials wanted to take credit from the railway minister by executing renovation works in quick time before his visit.

The construction activities are in full swing despite rains in the area and now the railway station ignored for ages bears a new look . The passengers are not complaining as they are happy with the developments which are taking place in the pretext of the railway minister’s visit. A platform to accommodate 24 bogies at once is ready with a modern roofing. Canteen services have commenced and online ticket booking counters too bear a modern look.

Mangaluru-Kukke Subramanya rail user welfare committee convener Sudarshan is delighted with the developments and thanked the railway department for their initiative.