Udupi: The Matsyagandha Express, a crucial train link between coastal Karnataka and Mumbai, is set to introduce state-of-the-art LHB coaches from February 17. MP Kota Shrinivas Poojary announced that the upgraded train would be welcomed at Udupi Railway Station upon its first run with German-engineered Linke-Hofmann-Busch (LHB) coaches, enhancing passenger safety and comfort.
Last year, Southern Railway had declared plans to replace conventional rakes of multiple trains, including the Thiruvananthapuram-Mangaluru Express and the Mangaluru-Mumbai Matsyagandha Express, with modern LHB coaches. Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta highlighted that the long-pending demand for upgrading Matsyagandha Express had finally been met.
Demand for Local General Quota
Meanwhile, rail activist Akshay Mahapadi has urged railway authorities to revise the general (GN) quota allocation for passengers boarding between Karwar and Mangaluru on the 12133 Mumbai CSMT – Mangaluru Jn Superfast Express and 12619/12620 Matsyagandha Express.
Currently, stations between Karwar and Kundapur share the quota with Maharashtra and Goa, making it difficult for local passengers from Karwar, Ankola, Gokarna, Kumta, Honnavar, Murdeshwar, Bhatkal, Byndoor, Kundapur, and Barkur to secure reserved tickets. The pooled quota often goes into waiting lists, while seats remain available in the general quota.
Mahapadi has requested Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, MoS Railways V Somanna, and railway officials to allocate a dedicated General (GN) quota for all stations between Karwar and Mangaluru, ensuring fair ticket availability for local travelers.
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