Mangaluru: It is almost 7 months since train services - one of the major mode of transportation in coastal Karnataka - between Mangaluru and Mumbai have been shut down.
Due to the COVID-19-induced lockdown, the Mangaluru Central-Mumbai Lokmanya Tilak Matsyagandha Express and the Mangaluru Junction-Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus express train has been shut since March 21.
Currently, passengers from coastal Karnataka need to rely on the train service of the Thiruvananthapuram-Kurla special train (Train No 06345/346) that runs via Mangaluru Junction station.
In the wake of the festive season, the Board has decided to run 200 special trains from October 15 to November 30. As a first step, 39 special trains will be allowed, including five trains from Karnataka - Kamakya, Barmar, Howrah and Bengaluru-Chennai trains.
The Railway Board has demanded that the Mangaluru-Mumbai route be added to the 200 special trains scheduled to be launched in different parts of the country. The Central Railway Zone has also submitted a proposal to the Railway Board regarding this.
Presently, the only train operating from the city is the Mangaluru Central-Chennai Express. Bengaluru Special train from here was stopped has stopped due to shortage of passengers.
Many from the coastal district have opined that the Mangaluru Junction-Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus train can be run as a special train till the normalization of rail traffic. The Central Railway, under which comes the Konkan Railway, has proposed a COVID-19 special train from Mangaluru to Mumbai in the wake of the festivities.
MP Nalin Kumar Kateel has stated that as people who left their jobs and commercial activities in Mumbai due to COVID-19 lockdown have started moving back. That is why special train traffic is so essential, especially from Mangaluru. We have requested the Railway Minister to allow some special trains for Mangaluru to Mumbai.
