Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta has urged the Railway Ministry to introduce a Vande Bharat Sleeper Express service between Mangaluru and Bengaluru, enhancing overnight travel options along one of Karnataka’s busiest railway corridors.
During a meeting with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi on Wednesday, Chowta highlighted the importance of the Hassan–Mangaluru line electrification, requesting that the sleeper train be launched after its completion.
He emphasized the strategic importance of the Mangaluru-Bengaluru rail link, stating that it serves a large volume of students, professionals, tourists, and business travellers. Despite this demand, the corridor is currently served by only a few overnight trains, with tickets often being fully booked.
Chowta argued that a Vande Bharat Sleeper Express would bring speed, safety, and enhanced comfort to the route, and could become a preferred mode of travel for many. He urged the Ministry to include this corridor in the priority list for the upcoming sleeper variant rollout.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper, expected to be launched in September, promises premium amenities and modern travel features, and aims to make world-class train services more accessible to Indian passengers.
Chowta requested that the Ministry assess the technical and operational viability of introducing this service on the Mangaluru-Bengaluru route.