Mangaluru: Coastal Karnataka railway associations and passenger groups have urged South Western Railway to ensure that the proposed Bengaluru-Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express departs from Mangaluru in the morning and returns from Bengaluru at night.

The groups said the timings recorded during the recent trial run should not be considered the final schedule for the regular passenger service. They stressed that the timing should be planned keeping in mind the needs of passengers from the coastal region, particularly those travelling to Bengaluru for official, business and other work.

Pashchima Karavali Railway Yatri Abhivriddhi Samithi president G Hanumanth Kamath said a morning departure from Mangaluru would be particularly beneficial to hundreds of passengers who need to reach Bengaluru during the day.

“A service that reaches Bengaluru close to midnight would be of little use to people from the coastal region,” he said.

Second trial reaches Mangaluru in 7 hours

The 16-coach Vande Bharat completed its second full trial run between Bengaluru and Mangaluru on September 11.

The train departed Yesvantpur at 6.50 am and reached Mangaluru Junction at 1.55 pm, covering the journey in 7 hours and 5 minutes. It departed Mangaluru on its return journey at 2.25 pm.

The second trial recorded a substantial improvement over the first trial conducted on September 5.

During the first run, the train took 9 hours and 57 minutes to reach Mangaluru Central. The latest trial therefore reduced the recorded travel time by 2 hours and 52 minutes.

The difference in the two trial runs has also attracted attention among railway passengers and associations, particularly with regard to the eventual operational schedule and journey time of the service.

Latest trial ended at Mangaluru Junction

Unlike the first trial, the latest run terminated at Mangaluru Junction.

Reports indicated that technical issues during the first trial had contributed to the longer journey time. The improved performance in the second trial has raised expectations among passengers that the proposed service could offer a significantly faster connection between Bengaluru and Mangaluru.

However, railway authorities have not yet announced the final operating timetable.

The launch date, fares and reservation arrangements for the proposed service are also yet to be officially announced. Passenger groups have therefore stressed that the timings followed during the trial runs should not be treated as the schedule of the regular service.

Passenger groups seek practical schedule

The demand for a morning departure from Mangaluru is based largely on the intended use of the service by passengers travelling to Bengaluru for work.

A train leaving Mangaluru in the morning and reaching Bengaluru during the day would allow passengers to attend official meetings, business engagements and other appointments before returning to the coast the same day or by a suitable evening service.

Passenger organisations have therefore urged South Western Railway to consider the broader travel requirements of coastal Karnataka while finalising the schedule.

The proposed service is expected to strengthen rail connectivity between Mangaluru and Bengaluru, two important commercial and economic centres of Karnataka. A suitable timetable could make the premium intercity service more useful not only for business travellers but also for other passengers seeking a faster connection to the State capital.

Final timetable awaited

The Bengaluru-Mangaluru Vande Bharat is expected to provide a faster premium intercity travel option between the State capital and the coastal city.

With two full trial runs now completed, attention has shifted towards the final operating pattern, including the departure and arrival timings, number of stoppages, fares and launch date.

Coastal railway associations have made it clear that the final timetable should prioritise passenger convenience and ensure that the service serves the practical needs of people travelling between Mangaluru and Bengaluru.