Udupi: Udupi–Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary has submitted a memorandum to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw seeking extension of the Vande Bharat Express service to the coastal belt and doubling of railway tracks along the Konkan Railway corridor.
The memorandum was submitted during a meeting at the Railway Minister’s office in New Delhi on February 5. The MP highlighted growing passenger demand between coastal Karnataka and Bengaluru and stressed the need for faster and higher-capacity rail connectivity.
He said the proposed measures would significantly benefit commuters, long-distance travellers, and the regional economy across coastal districts.
Vande Bharat extension proposed up to coastal districts
MP Poojary urged the Railway Ministry to extend the Vande Bharat Express currently operating from Bengaluru towards the coastal region, covering Mangaluru, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada districts.
He pointed out that thousands of passengers travel daily between the coast and the state capital for work, education, healthcare, and business. At present, a large share of this movement depends on road transport due to limited availability of high-speed premium rail options.
According to the MP, more than 600 buses operate daily from Uttara Kannada, Kundapur, Udupi, and Mangaluru towards Bengaluru, apart from a substantial number of private vehicles. This indicates sustained and growing travel demand along the corridor.
He stated that introducing or extending a Vande Bharat service to the coastal belt would provide a faster, more comfortable, and time-efficient alternative to road travel, while also easing highway congestion.
Benefits for commuters and tourism
The MP noted that a semi-high-speed train service like Vande Bharat would especially help regular travellers, including professionals, students, and patients who frequently commute to Bengaluru. Reduced travel time and improved onboard facilities would make rail a more attractive option.
He also underlined the tourism potential of coastal Karnataka, which includes beach destinations, pilgrimage centres, and heritage locations. Faster rail connectivity from Bengaluru could increase tourist inflow and support local businesses linked to hospitality and services.
Improved premium rail connectivity, he said, would also strengthen links between inland Karnataka and the coast, encouraging balanced regional development.
Demand for Konkan Railway track doubling
In addition to the Vande Bharat proposal, Poojary called for doubling of railway tracks along the Konkan Railway route between Mangaluru and Mumbai. He requested that the Centre conduct a detailed survey and allocate necessary funds for the project.
The Konkan Railway line, stretching roughly 734 km between Mangaluru and Mumbai, is currently a largely single-line corridor with crossing loops at intervals. While it is a critical passenger and freight route along the western coast, single-line operation limits the number and frequency of trains that can be run.
The MP said doubling the tracks would allow more trains to operate, reduce delays caused by crossings, and improve overall punctuality and capacity.
Connectivity and economic impact
Poojary emphasised that track doubling on the Konkan corridor would have long-term economic and social benefits. Increased rail capacity would support movement of goods, agricultural produce, and industrial cargo from coastal and Malnad regions to major markets.
He added that better rail infrastructure would improve disaster resilience and operational flexibility during monsoon disruptions, which frequently affect the Konkan belt.
Enhanced connectivity could also attract investment and strengthen trade links between coastal Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, and beyond.
Awaiting Railway Ministry response
Officials said the memorandum outlines both immediate service-level improvements and long-term infrastructure needs. The Railway Ministry is expected to review the proposals, including feasibility, demand, and budgetary considerations.
The MP expressed hope that the Centre would take a positive view of the requests considering passenger demand and the strategic importance of the coastal rail corridor.
Further decisions on surveys, service extensions, or project approvals will depend on Railway Board evaluation and subsequent budget allocations.