Mangaluru to get Vande Bharat sleeper train soon: Somanna

Mangaluru

Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, V Somanna, announced   that Mangaluru will soon receive a Vande Bharat sleeper train service. Speaking at the Mangaluru Central Railway Station after flagging off the extended Mangaluru Central–Kabaka Puttur passenger train to Subrahmanya Road, the minister said the new sleeper coaches are expected to be introduced within the next two months.

In the next one and a half or two months, we will get Vande Bharat sleeper coaches. Mangaluru will also get it, said Somanna, indicating a major boost to the region’s railway infrastructure.
He also revealed that both Mangaluru Junction and Mangaluru Central railway stations are set for significant upgrades. A master plan has already been prepared for these developments, with tenders to be floated following a meeting with railway officials in Delhi.  Rs 19 crore has been sanctioned for the development of Mangaluru Junction, with 85 percent of the work already completed. The remaining work is expected to be wrapped up by August.
 MP Capt Brijesh Chowta welcomed the extension of the train service to Subrahmanya Road and suggested that, following electrification, the service be upgraded to a MEMU train. He urged Union Ministries of Railways and Road Transport to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for development of   Mangaluru–Bengaluru route via Shiradi Ghat. Chowta also called for improved coordination between local railway divisions by appointing a dedicated officer to convene regular meetings to address local issues.
Assembly Speaker UT Khader emphasized the importance of transportation and communication in regional development. He noted that the train extension would significantly benefit pilgrims visiting Kukke Subrahmanya. Khader also urged authorities to ensure that alternative arrangements are made before closing any level crossings for safety purposes, he said.