Mangaluru: The Paschima Karavali Railway Yatri Abhivruddi Samiti has urged Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna to address the continued delay in the operation of Train No. 16511 Bengaluru–Kozhikode Express and protect the existing schedule of the Mangaluru Junction–Yeshvantapur Gomateshwara Express. The demands were raised through a memorandum submitted to the minister during his visit to the city on Saturday.
Samiti raises concerns over train punctuality
Members of the railway passengers’ forum stated that the Bengaluru–Kozhikode Express has been witnessing significant delays after reaching Subrahmanya Road railway station. According to the memorandum submitted to the minister, the train has reportedly been operating approximately 45 to 50 minutes behind schedule.
The samiti described the service as one of the preferred overnight trains connecting coastal Karnataka with Bengaluru and said the delay has caused inconvenience to passengers over the last six months.
Members pointed out that regular commuters depend heavily on the service because of its timing and connectivity. They maintained that punctual operation of the train is essential for passengers who rely on the service for work, education and other travel purposes.
The forum requested railway authorities to identify and rectify the reasons behind the delay while ensuring that the current train timings remain unchanged.
Concern raised over Gomateshwara Express schedule
The samiti also expressed concern regarding reports that the proposed Madgaon–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express could impact the schedule of Train No. 16575/76 Mangaluru Junction–Yeshvantapur Gomateshwara Express.
According to the forum, the existing timings of the Gomateshwara Express are convenient for passengers across the region and are particularly beneficial for regular and daily travellers.
Members stated that any changes to the schedule in order to accommodate the proposed Vande Bharat service could create inconvenience for passengers who have structured their daily travel around the current timings.
The organisation urged railway authorities to ensure that passenger convenience remains a key consideration before implementing operational changes.
Minister assures passenger interests will be protected
Responding to the concerns raised by the delegation, Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna assured the members that the Railways would prioritise passenger convenience while taking decisions.
He stated that authorities would avoid measures that create difficulties for commuters and indicated that public interest would remain an important factor in operational planning.
The assurance came amid concerns from passengers regarding possible changes in train schedules and services in the region.
Directions issued for better passenger facilities
During his visit to Mangaluru Junction Railway Station, the minister also issued directions related to passenger services and facilities.
He instructed Southern Railway officials to deploy Kannada-speaking staff at ticket counters and front desks at both Mangaluru Central and Mangaluru Junction railway stations. The move is expected to improve communication and accessibility for local passengers.
Somanna also inspected the recently introduced digital luggage locker facility at the station and expressed concern over the current usage fee of ₹120.
Calling the charge excessive, he instructed officials to examine reducing the fee to a more affordable amount of ₹10 or ₹20 so that passengers can access the facility at a reasonable cost.
Minister expresses concern over regional railway development
The minister also expressed dissatisfaction over what he described as inadequate efforts in improving railway infrastructure and passenger amenities in the Mangaluru region.
He reportedly criticised the pace of development by Southern Railway, Konkan Railway and South Western Railway, indicating that stronger coordination among railway authorities was required.
According to the minister, the absence of coordinated development efforts has contributed to increasing demands from various sections seeking a separate Mangaluru railway division.
The visit highlighted both operational and infrastructure-related concerns affecting railway passengers in the region. Passenger groups continue to seek improvements in train punctuality and service quality, while authorities are expected to examine the concerns raised and take necessary action.