MGP urges Mysuru city to stop railway staff‑quarters work near historic school

Mysore Grahakara Parishat has asked the Mysuru City Corporation to halt railway staff‑quarters construction beside the 118‑year‑old Government High School at Vontikoppal until all statutory clearances are secured. In a letter to MCC Commissioner M.K. Savitha, MGP president Roy Joseph demanded a written direction to suspend the work until approvals from the MCC, Mysuru Development Authority and other competent bodies are obtained. The school, founded in 1908, serves around 120 pupils, many from economically weaker families. Railways began building the quarters earlier this year, prompting citizen complaints. Regional Commissioner Nitesh Patil visited the site in July 2026 and ordered a stop, citing state laws that forbid construction around schools older than 12 years. Railways complied but resumed work last week, saying a written stop‑work notice from the authority is required. In September, MGP questioned the legality, noting that planning and municipal approvals were missing, while the Railways invoked Section 11 of the Railways Act to claim exemption. MGP argues that Section 11 only covers essential railway infrastructure such as tracks, bridges and stations, not staff housing or community facilities. A letter dated Oct 31 referenced court rulings that the Railways must follow state planning and municipal statutes for such projects. MGP now seeks a formal order to the Railways, with a copy to the school headmaster, to protect the school’s interests.

Context

State planning rules require municipal clearance for any new building near schools, especially historic ones. Section 11 of the Railways Act is intended for core rail infrastructure, not ancillary staff facilities. Similar urban‑rail conflicts have often been settled by courts ordering construction pauses until clearances are obtained.