Mangaluru: Palakkad Division of Southern Railway has embarked upon a project to beautify its important stations, including Mangaluru Central, with paintings depicting local culture, traditions and tourism attractions.

The Railways has got one such painting done at the Central Railway Station on the slopes in front of the Railway Mail Service Centre. The painting, done by a teacher from Kendriya Vidyalaya during his free time, depicts Mangaluru beaches and water sports.

M.K. Gopinathan, Public Relations Officer of Palakkad Division, told that besides Mangaluru, the premises of the Kannur and Palakkad stations too are being beautified with paintings. Divisional Railway Manager Pratap Singh Shami has taken the initiative with the twin objective of introducing local attractions to outside passengers and keeping surroundings of the stations attractive, he said. Decorative paintings would not only make the Railways premises look attractive but they would also prevent disfigurement, Mr. Gopinathan noted.

Assistant Divisional Engineer, Mangaluru Railway Region, Gopichandra Nayaka said that abundant space was available in and around Mangaluru Central Railway Station for beautification.

He has sent a proposal to the division for beautification of at least 13 more spots, a majority of them slopes in front of the station building. Two places in the passenger concourse too are proposed to be beautified, Mr. Nayaka said.

While each painting would cost around ₹ 20,000, the Railways would welcome sponsors to get them done at their own cost. Names of sponsors could be prominently displayed along with such paintings, Mr. Nayaka said. Even otherwise, the beautification project would be continued as and when funds are made available, he added.

Asked whether the paintings in the open would withstand the vagaries of nature, Mr. Nayaka said that quality paint is used to do the art work and it should last at least for five years.

Mangaluru hosts several art schools and artists and they are welcome to beautify the station premises. Their gesture could go a long way in promoting coastal culture, heritage as well as tourism, he added. Those interested in aiding the station beautification project may contact Mr. Nayaka on Ph: 9731663206 or Mr. Gopinathan on Ph: 9746763002.