Railways in Karnataka’s ghat section gets tech upgrade with new signal system

News Network

October 4, 2020

Mysuru, Oct 4: With a view to overcome the critical infrastructural deficiency hampering train operations in the region, the Mysuru Division of South Western Railway (SWR) has introduced an upgraded signalling project in the ghat section for enhanced safety. A SWR official disclosed that this work was executed at a cost of Rs 4.4 crore, which was borne by Hassan-Mangalore Rail Development Company Limited.

"The Multi-Section Digital Axle Counter (MSDAC) technology commissioned between Yedakumari and Kadaga Ravalli stations on the Sakleshpur-Subramanya Road Ghat Section on October 1 in record time will significantly enhance the sectional line capacity," a note released by the SWR stated.

South Western Railway, Mysuru Division Divisional Railway Manager, Aparna Garg asserted that the introduction of the new safety protocol will pave the way for safer and more efficient train operations in the ghat section where the demand for new passenger services is being made persistently.

According to the note, nearly 35% enhanced capacity would help in introducing additional passenger services and also the operation of freight trains will be more efficient as detentions are brought down. "The new technology greatly reduces the maintenance of track circuits in the inhospitable terrain of the ghat section," the note further read.

"The MSDAC is a cutting-edge technology designed for train detection with added safety features. The maintenance costs are comparatively lower with a high degree of reliability so much essential for seamless train operations in Ghat section," an official stated.

He further added that this was a daunting task in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. "Unprecedented rainfall in the area -- 6,000 mm since the commencement of work -- compounded the already delicate situation," the official said.

According to the official, difficulty in moving skilled manpower for specialised work in the ghat section, non-existent road connectivity to transport cables, location boxes, MSDAC equipment, fear of landslides at the time of trenching for laying cables, lengthy tunnels, steel girder bridges, rocky topography, dependence on DG sets for power, etc were some of the biggest challenges that they faced during the execution of the work.

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Fee Hike in Private School across Coastal Karnataka Raises Concerns among Parents

News Network

March 15,2025

Mangaluru: Parents in coastal Karnataka are facing a significant financial burden as private schools across the region have implemented a sharp 20% or higher fee hike for the new academic year. This marks a drastic increase compared to the 6-15% annual hikes over the past four years. Schools justify the rise by citing increased teacher salaries and rising operational costs.

A parent from a CBSE school in Moodbidri reported that last year, his child's school fee was Rs 23,000, excluding transport and books. This year, it has jumped to Rs 29,000. "Fees for all classes in our school have been hiked by Rs 6,000," he shared.

Similarly, Jean D'Souza, whose two children study at an ICSE school in Mangaluru, said the school has increased fees by Rs 5,000 this year, from Rs 46,000 to Rs 51,000. Another parent from an ICSE school on the outskirts of the city reported a 20% hike and urged the government to intervene and regulate school fee increases.

Additional Costs Add to Parents’ Burden

Parents highlighted that beyond tuition fees, they also bear expenses for transport, uniforms, and books. Monthly transport fees range between Rs 1,500 and Rs 2,500, while book costs amount to Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,000 per child annually. However, some relief comes from schools allowing fee payments in installments. "Many schools permit two to four installments, which helps ease the financial strain for parents," said a school management representative.

Schools Defend the Fee Hike

A school principal explained the reasons behind the steep fee increase this year. "Most schools refrained from major fee hikes after the pandemic. However, teacher salary demands have increased, and with a shortage of trained educators, retaining them is difficult without annual pay raises," he said.

Other rising costs include electricity, water, building maintenance, government fees, and general operational expenses. School managements argue that these factors make the fee hike necessary to sustain quality education.

While parents express frustration over the rising costs, the debate over striking a balance between affordability and sustaining quality education continues. Many now call for government intervention to regulate private school fee structures, ensuring that education remains accessible to all families.

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