Mangaluru: Revised train schedules following the inclusion of the Mangaluru railway region under Mysuru Division have triggered discontent among passengers along the coastal belt, with changes to key daytime services connecting Mangaluru and Bengaluru drawing particular criticism.

The revised timings of the Gomateshwara Express and Yeshwantpur-Karwar Express have raised concerns over passenger convenience, particularly among ordinary and budget-conscious travellers who depend on daytime rail services to reach Bengaluru.

Meanwhile, the Yeshwantpur-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express is set to operate via Mangaluru Junction without entering Mangaluru Central. The introduction of the premium service alongside changes to existing train schedules has prompted questions about the priorities guiding railway development in the coastal region.

Gomateshwara Express departure shifted by nearly five hours

One of the major changes concerns the Gomateshwara daytime Express, operating as train numbers 16576/16540.

The train, which previously departed Mangaluru Junction at 7 am, will now leave at 11.40 am under the revised schedule. Its arrival at Yeshwantpur, earlier scheduled for 4.30 pm, has been postponed to 10.15 pm.

The change has caused concern among passengers who have traditionally relied on the service for a convenient daytime journey to Bengaluru.

Reaching Yeshwantpur at 10.15 pm could create additional difficulties for passengers travelling onwards to different parts of Bengaluru. They may have to depend on alternative transport arrangements late at night, potentially increasing their travel expenses.

The revised departure time from Mangaluru also changes the overall travel convenience offered by the service, particularly for those who prefer to reach Bengaluru during the evening.

Return service and Yeshwantpur-Karwar Express timings revised

The timings of the return Gomateshwara Express, operating as train numbers 16575/16539 from Yeshwantpur towards Mangaluru, have also been modified.

Under the revised schedule, the train will reach Padil at 5 pm instead of the earlier 4.25 pm. Its arrival at Mangaluru Junction has been shifted from 4.40 pm to 5.10 pm.

The Yeshwantpur-Karwar Express (16515) has also been affected by the schedule revision.

Its arrival at Padil has been rescheduled from 4.25 pm to 5 pm, while its arrival at Thokur has been shifted from 5.45 pm to 6.20 pm. The train will now reach Karwar at 11.30 pm instead of the earlier scheduled time of 10.45 pm.

Similarly, the arrival of the Karwar-Yeshwantpur Express (16516) at Yeshwantpur has been pushed back from 8.50 pm to 10.15 pm.

These changes have prompted passengers to seek clarity on the rationale behind revising the schedules of established services that cater to regular commuters and long-distance travellers.

Passengers question impact of premium Vande Bharat service

The schedule changes have also triggered a wider debate over the development of rail connectivity between the coastal region and Bengaluru.

Passengers have questioned the rationale behind altering the timings of an affordable daytime train that has long served ordinary travellers, particularly at a time when the premium-priced Vande Bharat service is being introduced on the route.

The Yeshwantpur-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express is set to pass through Mangaluru Junction without entering Mangaluru Central. While the service is expected to provide another travel option, passengers have expressed concern that changes to existing conventional trains could affect those who depend on economical rail travel.

A key concern is the late-night arrival of the Gomateshwara Express at Yeshwantpur. Passengers reaching Bengaluru at 10.15 pm may face difficulties in finding convenient onward transport to their destinations. Depending on their locations, they could have to spend more on alternative travel arrangements.

For families, senior citizens, students and regular travellers, the timing of arrival is an important factor when choosing a train service. Passengers have therefore sought a review of the revised schedules, arguing that the convenience of existing services should also remain a priority.

Speculation over timing changes

The revised schedules have also generated speculation in public circles following Udupi MP Kota Srinivas Poojary’s recent meeting with the Union Railway Minister.

Questions have been raised over whether the meeting had any connection with the subsequent decision to revise the train timings. However, no confirmation has been provided regarding any such link.

The schedule changes have consequently become a subject of discussion among railway passengers and members of the public, with demands for greater consideration of the travel needs of coastal Karnataka.

MP Capt Brijesh Chowta seeks intervention

Meanwhile, Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta has urged Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to reconsider the proposed schedule changes and retain the existing timings.

Following the Railway Department’s proposal to revise the schedules of train number 16576 and trains 16539/16540, Chowta submitted a representation seeking the minister’s intervention.

He has appealed to the Railway Ministry and South Western Railway to withdraw the proposed revisions and continue the earlier schedules, keeping passenger convenience and interests in mind.

The representation comes amid growing concern among passengers who fear that the revised timings could make established daytime connections less convenient, particularly for those travelling between Mangaluru and Bengaluru on a budget.

The response from the Railway Ministry and South Western Railway will be closely watched by passengers seeking the continuation of schedules that have served the coastal region for years.