Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, May 29: In a move aimed at easing heavy passenger rush, the Railways has announced the addition of an extra sleeper class coach to the Chennai Egmore–Mangaluru Central Express (Train No. 16159) on May 29.

In the return direction, an additional sleeper coach will be attached to the Mangaluru Central–Chennai Egmore Express (Train No. 16160) on May 29 and 31, according to an official notification.

Mumbai train partially cancelled at Thane

The Railways has also announced operational changes to the Mangaluru Junction–Mumbai CSMT Superfast Express (Train No. 12134). The service, scheduled between May 30 and June 12, will be short-terminated at Thane during this period.

As a result, services between Thane and Mumbai CSMT will remain partially cancelled, the statement added.

Vande Bharat trial run begins on Mangaluru–Bengaluru Route

In a significant development for coastal Karnataka’s rail connectivity, trial runs of the proposed Vande Bharat Express between Mangaluru and Bengaluru have reportedly commenced.

Speaking on the development, Siddakatte Primary Agricultural Credit Cooperative Society president and former taluk panchayat member Prabhakar Prabhu said the trial run marks a key step towards the introduction of the high-speed service on the route.

He said demands for improved rail connectivity between Mangaluru and Bengaluru have been consistently raised by residents of Dakshina Kannada district, and discussions with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw have helped push the proposal forward.

He added that the union minister had recently indicated that the service would be launched soon for the benefit of thousands of passengers from the coastal region.

It was also stated that during a virtual flag-off of an express train between Bengaluru and Mumbai, the Railway Minister had indicated that the Vande Bharat service on the Mangaluru–Bengaluru route would be introduced shortly.

Meanwhile, public appreciation is growing for the efforts of Dakshina Kannada Member of Parliament Capt Brijesh Chowta, who has reportedly been in continuous coordination with the Railway Ministry to expedite improved rail services for the coastal belt.