Mangaluru: In the pre-Covid era, it was decided to run the much-awaited Mangaluru – Vijayapura train and that ran for a few months. The train was later suspended when Covid was high. Further, the train was later restarted as per the demand of the passengers. However, the Vijayapura-Mangaluru train has been running on the Tatkal basis since its inception.
Due to Tatkal, passengers will also have to book train tickets through tatkal while booking train tickets. And Tatkal ticket booking is more expensive than regular tickets. As the train between Mangaluru and Vijayapura is still running on Tatkal, passengers are facing a shortage of additional fares. Most of the poor passengers are dependent on this train and due to the negligence of the railways, it is an unnecessary burden on the passengers.
The train, which is operated by the South Western Railway, issues a notification to resume the train service for a few months, a few days before the end of the tatkal period every time. Sreekar B., a railway passenger from Puttur, says it is impossible for poor passengers to travel at a cheaper rate.
25 to 40 per cent costlier
Vijayapura – Mangaluru train (07377/78) is the most sought after train. The train connects Mangaluru from Vijayapura via Bagalakote -Gadag – Haveri – Byadgi – Harihara – Davanagere – Hassan – Sakleshpura – Kukke Subramanya. Hundreds of passengers use the train every day to visit the coastal medical facilities and religious places. However, the tatkal service is becoming costlier by 25 to 40 per cent for all passengers.
At present, the timings of the train running between Vijayapura and Mangaluru are inconvenient for many passengers. If you reach Mangaluru at 12.40 pm, it won’t be of any use.
According to railway passengers, it would be more convenient if the train reaches Mangaluru at 9.30 am. A petition has also been filed in this regard. The MP had written to the South Western Railway demanding that the Vijayapura – Mangaluru train service be changed and the train should be regularised. However, the authorities have not responded to this. As a result, the fare has become expensive and it is hard on the pockets of poor passengers.
