KCCI Seeks Withdrawal of Kozhikode Extension of SBC-CAN-MAQ train

Mangaluru: In a letter to Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Communications, Railways, Electronics and Information Technology, KCCI has voiced its concern as below about the extention of the KSR Bengaluru – Kannur – Bengaluru Express Train Nos 16511/512 via Mangaluru Central to Kozhikode.

We are deeply worried about the recent newspaper report regarding the extension of Bengaluru – Kannur – Bengaluru Express trains through Mangaluru Central to Kozhikode. Initially, this train ran overnight between Yeshwantpur and Mangaluru Central since its start in 2007. In 2009, it was extended to Kannur (Kerala state), which disappointed passengers in Karnataka, leading to strong public opposition.

Kozhikode already had good service from train no. 16527/528 Yeshwantpur Daily Express. The people of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts have expressed their shock and dissatisfaction with the government’s decision. They have raised concerns that need immediate attention from the railways.

Passengers already struggle to get reserved train seats for their travel between Bengaluru. The current plan to extend the train to Kozhikode exacerbates this issue, affecting those traveling for business, medical, and leisure activities. This extension will significantly reduce the availability of berths/seats for passengers from the Karnataka coast.

Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts are recognized as major education hubs in India, with many students commuting between Bengaluru and these areas. Unreserved coaches fill up before the Bengaluru-bound train arrives at Mangaluru station, causing additional inconvenience.

During the monsoon season, when landslides at Shiradi and Samphaje ghats disrupt road connectivity to and from Bengaluru, the train has been the sole means of transport for people in the coastal region. The proposed extension will worsen the situation, causing further inconvenience.

The already high bus fares for travel to and from Mangaluru have burdened commuters, and with the extension to Kozhikode, people from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts will have no choice but to rely on road transport. Trains would quickly fill up with additional passengers from Kozhikode and Kannur, leading to increased bus traffic, environmental problems, and road safety concerns. Additionally, the rising demand for bus tickets would drive prices even higher, affecting the elderly, fragile, and sick passengers the most.

Commuting by road is not only tiring, unsafe, and expensive but also a significant inconvenience, especially for using toilets, particularly for the elderly and sick individuals. We urge immediate attention to cancel this order or introduce specific trains between Mangaluru and Bengaluru stations.

It is hoped that the authorities reconsider this decision for the benefit of the coastal region’s people and provide quick relief to the suffering passengers from this area.