Upgrading the lifeline: Matsyagandha Express needs facelift!

Running for over 25 years between Mangaluru and Mumbai, the Matsyagandha Express has maintained its status as the busiest train connecting these coastal cities. Originating as the Mangaluru Kurla Express on May 1, 1998, the train has become a vital lifeline for a significant number of coastal residents who rely on its services.

Currently running between Lokmanya Tilak Terminus and Mangalore Central, the train (No. 12619/12620) is equipped with aged Integral Coach Factory (ICF) coaches that, despite numerous renovations, are showing signs of wear and tear. Despite the conversion of toilets into bio-toilets, passengers have expressed concerns about the overall condition of the coaches, urging for a comprehensive improvement.

The primary demand from passengers, particularly tourists and families traveling between Mangaluru and Mumbai, is for the incorporation of modern Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches. LHB coaches, known for their German design, ease of maintenance, and higher passenger capacity, are seen as a necessary upgrade to enhance the travel experience on the Matsyagandha Express.

Despite several appeals to senior railway officials over the past three to four years, the much-needed improvement has not materialized. Anil Hegde, Advisor to the West Coast Railway Development Committee, emphasized the urgency of prioritizing the installation of LHB coaches for the Matsyagandha Express.

Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, highlighted the significance of the Matsyagandha Express as a major train connecting Mumbai. He asserted that the demand for coach improvement has been communicated to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, expressing confidence that the necessary upgrades would be implemented promptly.

Responding to the demand, Arun Chaturvedi, Divisional Railway Officer of Palakkad Division, acknowledged the need for LHB coaches on the Matsyagandha Express. However, he clarified that the implementation would be carried out step by step by the Railway Board, and it might not be simultaneous for all trains.