Mangaluru: In a move aimed at reducing heavy passenger rush during the travel season, the Railways has announced the addition of an extra sleeper class coach to the Chennai Egmore–Mangaluru Central Express and its return service on select dates.

According to an official railway notification, an additional sleeper coach has been attached to the Chennai Egmore–Mangaluru Central Express (Train No. 16159) operating on May 29 to accommodate the growing number of passengers travelling on the route.

In the return direction, the Mangaluru Central–Chennai Egmore Express (Train No. 16160) will also operate with an additional sleeper class coach on May 29 and May 31.

Railway officials said the temporary augmentation has been introduced in response to increased reservation demand and passenger congestion, particularly during the summer travel period.

Mumbai-bound train partially cancelled

The Railways has also announced operational changes to the Mangaluru Junction–Mumbai CSMT Superfast Express (Train No. 12134) due to operational requirements.

As per the notification, the train service scheduled between May 30 and June 12 will be short-terminated at Thane station during the period. Consequently, services between Thane and Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) will remain partially cancelled.

Passengers travelling towards Mumbai have been advised to make alternate travel arrangements between Thane and Mumbai CSMT during the affected dates.

Railway authorities stated that the temporary changes are part of operational adjustments and necessary railway management works.

Vande Bharat trial run begins

In a significant development for rail connectivity in coastal Karnataka, trial runs of the proposed Vande Bharat Express between Mangaluru and Bengaluru have reportedly commenced.

The development has generated excitement among passengers and railway users in Dakshina Kannada district, where there has been a long-standing demand for a faster and more efficient rail service connecting the coast with the state capital.

Speaking on the matter, Siddakatte Primary Agricultural Credit Cooperative Society president and former taluk panchayat member Prabhakar Prabhu said the commencement of the trial run marks an important milestone towards the launch of the semi-high-speed train service.

He noted that residents of Dakshina Kannada have consistently raised demands for improved railway connectivity between Mangaluru and Bengaluru, considering the large number of students, businesspersons and professionals travelling frequently between the two cities.

Railway ministry discussions bear fruit

Prabhakar Prabhu said discussions held with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had helped accelerate the proposal for the Vande Bharat service on the route.

According to him, the railway minister had recently indicated that the service would be launched soon for the benefit of passengers from the coastal belt.

He further stated that during the virtual flag-off event of an express train between Bengaluru and Mumbai, the minister had reportedly hinted that the Mangaluru–Bengaluru Vande Bharat service would be introduced shortly.

The proposed service is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two cities and improve comfort for passengers travelling through the Western Ghats corridor.

MP’s efforts appreciated

Meanwhile, appreciation is also growing for the efforts of Dakshina Kannada Member of Parliament Capt Brijesh Chowta, who has reportedly been coordinating continuously with the Railway Ministry to improve rail infrastructure and services in the coastal region.

Residents and commuters believe the proposed Vande Bharat service could become a major boost for tourism, trade, education and business travel between coastal Karnataka and Bengaluru.

Railway passengers are now eagerly awaiting an official announcement regarding the commencement date and schedule of the proposed high-speed service.