Mangaluru: Rail commuters in Mangaluru and the coastal belt may soon face disruptions in key rail connectivity as the South Western Railway (SWR) is reportedly considering major changes to two popular train services — the Mangaluru–Madgaon Vande Bharat Express and the Gommateshwara Express running between Mangaluru and Yeshwanthpur via Shravanabelagola.
According to railway sources, internal discussions are underway regarding either cancellation, route alteration, or timetable revision of these services due to operational and occupancy-related concerns. While no final notification has been issued yet, the reports have triggered anxiety among regular passengers and rail user groups across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.
Officials from SWR and Konkan Railway have not made any formal announcement so far regarding the final course of action.
Vande Bharat occupancy under review
The Mangaluru–Madgaon Vande Bharat Express was introduced to provide faster, premium rail connectivity between the coastal Karnataka region and Goa. The service was launched with considerable public attention and positioned as a high-speed, comfortable travel option for business and leisure passengers.
However, sources indicate that the train has reportedly been witnessing lower occupancy on certain segments and days of operation. This has prompted a performance review within railway circles. As part of this review, options such as service rationalisation, frequency reduction, route modification, or even withdrawal are said to be under consideration.
Railway planners typically assess premium trains based on seat occupancy, revenue generation, turnaround efficiency, and maintenance logistics. Any sustained underperformance can trigger route restructuring proposals.
Passenger groups, however, argue that occupancy patterns often stabilise over time and that marketing, better timing, and integrated ticketing with tourist circuits could improve ridership instead of cancelling the service.
Gommateshwara Express may face diversion or timing change
The Gommateshwara Express connecting Mangaluru and Yeshwanthpur via Shravanabelagola is another service reportedly under scrutiny. This train is widely used by passengers travelling between the coast and Bengaluru, particularly those who prefer this alignment due to its comparatively shorter distance than the Mysuru-side route.
Sources suggest SWR is evaluating changes in its schedule or a possible diversion to a different routing pattern. Any such move would affect travel time, connectivity to intermediate stations, and passenger convenience.
Regular commuters, students, and small business travellers are among the primary users of this train. A diversion away from the Shravanabelagola corridor could reduce direct access for several towns along the line.
Passenger groups express concern
Rail activist groups and frequent travellers have voiced strong concern over the reported proposals. They argue that the coastal region already faces limited direct and time-efficient rail options to Bengaluru and interior Karnataka compared to demand.
Commuter representatives say that instead of curtailing existing services, the railways should focus on strengthening them and introducing long-pending new connections — especially a dedicated overnight express between Mangaluru and Bengaluru with convenient arrival timings.
They also point out that seasonal variation, festival traffic, and tourism cycles should be factored into occupancy assessments before taking decisions on premium or regional services.
Awaiting official confirmation
At present, the reported changes remain at the proposal and discussion stage. Railway authorities have not issued any public circular, timetable revision notice, or cancellation order for either of the trains.
Passengers are advised to rely only on official railway announcements and reservation system updates before altering travel plans. Any confirmed change in schedule, routing, or service status is expected to be notified through official SWR and Indian Railways channels.
Outlook for coastal rail connectivity
The episode has once again highlighted the sensitivity surrounding rail connectivity in the coastal Karnataka region, where terrain constraints and route capacity already limit expansion options. Any reduction or alteration of existing services tends to have a cascading effect on daily commuters and long-distance travellers alike.
Commuter groups say they plan to submit representations to railway authorities seeking retention and strengthening of both services. The final decision from SWR is awaited.