Yeshwantpur-Mangaluru Central overnight express extended to Kozhikode

Concerns on reduced seat availability for passengers from Karnataka coast

Train's new schedule involves arrival at Kozhikode at 12.40 p.m. and departure at 3.30 p.m

Despite previous controversies, the Yeshwantpur-Mangaluru Central overnight express, originally introduced in 2007, is now seeing its second extension connecting Kannur to Kozhikode in Kerala.

This extension, approved by the Railway Ministry, contradicts a reported promise made last September by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel that the train would not be extended to Kozhikode.

The overnight express, with its first extension to Kannur in 2009, has witnessed disagreements, with the latest development sparking opposition from the Mangaluru-brd Paschima Karavali Railway Yatri Abhivriddhi Samiti. This group expresses concerns about reduced seat availability for passengers from the Karnataka coast.

The Southern Railway’s proposal for the Kozhikode extension has been approved, with the train’s new schedule involving arrival at Kozhikode at 12.40 p.m. and departure at 3.30 p.m. The extension is expected to take place on the earliest convenient date, as per the Railway Ministry’s order.

Rail enthusiasts and passengers are alarmed by the extension, pointing out that Kozhikode is already connected to Bengaluru through other trains. They fear a reduction in berth/seat availability for Karnataka coast passengers, especially in unreserved coaches, which might fill up before reaching Mangaluru.