By News Karnataka Editorial Team
Copyright newskarnataka
Mangaluru [Karnataka]: The long-standing demand for a direct Vande Bharat Express service between Mangaluru and Mumbai has once again gathered momentum, following renewed efforts by former legislator Kota Srinivas Poojari, who has actively presented the case to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna.
Push for connectivity along the Konkan coast
Poojari highlighted that the extension of the semi-high-speed service to Mumbai would provide a vital link between coastal Karnataka and India’s financial capital. The proposal has been widely welcomed by citizens, business stakeholders, and members of the tourism sector, who see the project as a potential game-changer for the region.
Currently, the Vande Bharat Express operates only between Mangaluru and Madgaon in Goa. However, the service has seen low passenger numbers, with commuters repeatedly stressing that the train would serve a much larger population base if extended to Mumbai.
Potential benefits of the extension
Residents and observers argue that extending the route would not only make the train more viable but also improve travel convenience for business commuters, students, and tourists.
Local stakeholders suggest that a mix of daytime services and sleeper variants of the Vande Bharat Express could drastically improve accessibility. The faster connectivity is expected to boost trade, tourism, and employment opportunities along the Konkan coast, making the project a transformative step in regional development.
Citizens’ appreciation for initiative
Poojari’s persistent engagement has been praised by the local population, who view his efforts as a proactive step in addressing regional transportation concerns. Many citizens expressed hope that the Railways will soon finalise the extension, bringing long-awaited relief and a stronger connection to Mumbai.
As the demand grows louder, the proposed extension of the Vande Bharat Express between Mangaluru and Mumbai stands as a much-anticipated development that could significantly reshape coastal Karnataka’s connectivity with western India. The coming months will determine whether this public aspiration translates into policy action by the Railways.
