Railway construction near 118-year-old school in Mysuru sparks fresh row

The Mysuru Municipal Corporation (MCC) has been approached by Roy Joseph, president of the local MGP, who sent a letter to Commissioner M.K. Savitha asking for a written order to stop railway construction near a school that has been in operation for more than a century. The school, founded in the late nineteenth century, is regarded as a heritage landmark and serves a large number of students from surrounding neighborhoods. Joseph argues that the ongoing work threatens the structural integrity of the school buildings and disrupts daily classes, prompting the demand for a pause until all statutory clearances are secured.

Railway authorities have been advancing a project aimed at expanding tracks and improving connectivity across the region. While the project promises faster travel times and economic benefits, it also requires compliance with environmental, heritage and urban planning regulations. Critics point out that the necessary approvals from heritage conservation bodies and the municipal planning department have not yet been granted, raising concerns about procedural lapses. The railway agency has responded that it is reviewing the documentation and will cooperate with local officials to address any gaps.

The dispute has drawn attention from parents, teachers and heritage activists who fear that the construction could cause irreversible damage to the school’s historic architecture. For residents of Mysuru, the issue underscores the tension between development goals and the preservation of cultural assets. The outcome will likely influence how future infrastructure projects are coordinated with local authorities, especially when they intersect with sites of historical significance. Observers suggest that a clear resolution could set a precedent for balancing growth with heritage protection in Karnataka.