Bangalore: Residents of Kozhikode now have something to look forward to as the Yeshwanthpur to Mangalore train, which was earlier extended to Kannur, now gets extended for the second time, to go all the way to Kozhikode. 

Residents of Mangalore recall how the overnight express was a result of a tough fight. The Southern Railway now seeks yet another approval, proposing that train number 1611/512 reach Kozhikode at 12:40 in the afternoons. 

What’s more, the train will also be making frequent stops at Thalassery, Varakada, and Quiliandi, to make life easier for passengers residing there. The train will then make its next move, leaving Kozhikode at 3.30 pm. 

So, in the end, we can say that it is a moment of joy for all, especially residents of Kerala when the Railway minister approved the proposal in its January 23rd order, with the minister promising that the new timetable will come into effect at the earliest. 

All this was despite opposition by the Mangaluru-based Paschima Karavali Railway Yatri Abhivrudhi Samiti because passengers from Karnataka would not have enough seats on the train, as unreserved seats would fill on the way, leaving hardly any place on the berths for those stepping in from Mangalore. 

It is with this view that some Kannadigas also express their agitation, saying that the residents of Kozhikode already have train 16526/527 that connects them to Bengaluru. 

This is more so regarding the fact that passengers can book their seats on the train from just anywhere, without the need for a quota. With that in mind, residents of Kozhikode are sure to opt for this new choice, as trains going to Kannur through Shoranur seem to be always full.

This leaves us with one question. Will passengers from Mangalore be forced to squeeze their legs on the mat while making way for the Kozhikode residents? And is it fair if they are made to do that? 

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