* Manglore, located near Kerala-Karnataka coastal border was a terminus, and connected to rest of India by the solitary rail line via Kerala (Mangalore-Shoranur-MAS/TVC) and by default it was falling under Palakkad division. It was not directly connected to any Karnataka city by rail.
* In 1980s(probably-1982), it got connected to predominantly MG network of Karnataka connecting major cities like Bangaluru, Mysuru, Hubali, Belgaum etc. It was time to bring it under Mysuru division.
* In 1998 when KR was commissioned, it got connected to Western & North India. Since KR connects MAQ...
more... to rest of coastal karnataka also, this was time to bring Mangaluru under Konkan Railway. IR has missed both the opportunities.
* It is well known fact that divisional HQs are under strong influence of the Sate Govts ruling it, falling of Mangalore in Palakkad which is under influence of Kerala Govt. is a sure shot recipe for negligence of MAQ. Ideally it should be transferred to KR, and if IR does not want to transfer it to KR, it should be shifted to Mysuru division (SWR).