Congress MP Unnithan Claims Palakkad Division Bifurcation Done Without Minister's Knowledge

Thiruvananthapuram, India Aug 23, 2026 ALN: Kasaragod (Kerala): Congress MP Rajmohan Unnithan has raised serious concerns regarding the recent decision by the Railway Board to bifurcate the Palakkad railway division, a move that entails shifting the Mangaluru station to the Mysuru division. Unnithan claims that this decision was made without the knowledge of the Railway Minister or the Southern Railway authorities based in Chennai, raising questions about the decision-making process within the Indian Railways.

The bifurcation of the Palakkad division has ignited widespread protests across Kerala, as the implications of this decision are expected to affect many stakeholders, particularly those living near the Karnataka border. Unnithan, representing the Kasaragod constituency, has voiced strong opposition to the move, stating that his constituents will bear the brunt of this change.

“The people of Kasaragod are going to suffer the most. Therefore, we can never accept this decision. All of us MPs sent an email message to the Railway Minister,” Unnithan stated, emphasizing the collective concern of local representatives. He further claimed that the Railway Minister was not informed about the decision, questioning the authority behind the order. “Finally, now the Minister says, ‘I was not aware.’ Furthermore, the Railways in Chennai was not aware. The GM was not aware. Then who issued this order? Without the Union Minister knowing, and without the Railway officer in Chennai knowing, who made this decision?” he asked, highlighting the lack of transparency in the process.

The reaction from the railway authorities has yet to be seen, as the allegations from Kerala's leaders continue to mount. Unnithan has made it clear that the people of Kerala will not accept this decision lightly. “Therefore, this injustice is shown towards Keralam. The BJP government is showing injustice and neglect towards Keralam in all sectors. We can never accept that neglect,” he asserted, suggesting that this move is part of a larger pattern of disregard for the state’s interests by the central government.

Historically, the Palakkad division has faced challenges, particularly since the creation of the Salem division in 2007, which Unnithan argues has already adversely affected its revenue base. The Palakkad division has relied significantly on the revenue generated through the Mangaluru port, which is crucial for the transport of various goods, including petroleum products, coal, and chemical fertilizers. “From that port, movement of petroleum products, coal, chemical fertilisers, we get revenue. That money, amounting to around Rs 600 crore, is what is going to be lost through this decision,” he explained, indicating the financial ramifications of the bifurcation.

The bifurcation is also expected to complicate logistical matters for the northern districts of Kerala. Previously, railway matters could be coordinated through a single division; however, with the bifurcation, decisions will now need to be coordinated between two separate divisions. Unnithan pointed out that this change will hinder efforts to extend train services, as requests that were once streamlined will now require permissions from both divisions. “Now, it was requested to extend several trains ending at Kannur to Kasaragod and Mangaluru. For this extension, we contacted the Palakkad division and the Railway office in Chennai. Now, we have to seek permission from two Railway divisions,” he noted, illustrating the bureaucratic hurdles that may arise from the decision.

Unnithan has also been advocating for the development of the Kumbla railway station in Kasaragod as a satellite station, a project that may now face additional challenges due to the potential loss of revenue from the bifurcation. He questioned how such initiatives could be pursued effectively if the Palakkad division's financial resources are diminished.

In response to the growing discontent, Chief Minister V D Satheesan has taken a proactive stance by writing to the Union government to formally oppose the decision. This indicates a united front among political leaders in Kerala, as both the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Left Democratic Front (LDF) have expressed their opposition to the bifurcation. The collective response from various political factions underscores the significance of the railway network to the state’s economy and connectivity.

The implications of the bifurcation of the Palakkad division extend beyond immediate logistical concerns; they touch upon broader themes of regional representation and resource allocation within the Indian Railways. Kerala, known for its unique geographical and economic challenges, relies heavily on effective railway infrastructure for the movement of goods and people. The decision to bifurcate could be viewed as a potential neglect of these unique needs, prompting fears of further marginalization in the face of central policies.

As protests continue and political leaders rally against the decision, the future of the Palakkad railway division remains uncertain. The Railway Board's response and any potential reconsideration of the bifurcation will be closely watched by the people of Kerala, who are advocating for a railway system that serves their interests effectively and equitably.