Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, March 23: Indian Railways is planning to introduce a new Vande Bharat train service connecting Mumbai to Mangaluru, which could shorten travel time to around 12 hours.

The proposed service aims to combine the existing Mumbai-Goa and Mangaluru-Goa routes, with the objective of enhancing operational efficiency and increasing passenger numbers.

Currently, both the Mumbai-Goa and Mangaluru-Goa Vande Bharat trains operate with an average occupancy of approximately 70%. Despite these moderate numbers, the Railways is optimistic that the new route will significantly boost demand, with an expected surge in passengers due to its direct connectivity between Mumbai and Mangaluru.

Representational image

The Mangaluru-Goa Vande Bharat service has been notably underutilised, with occupancy rates falling below 40%. To address this issue, there was an initial proposal to extend the route to Kozhikode. However, the plan faced strong opposition from political leaders in Karnataka, which led to its abandonment. As it stands, the Mangaluru-Goa Vande Bharat currently completes its journey in about four and a half hours.

On the other hand, the Mumbai-Goa Vande Bharat, which initially boasted an occupancy rate of around 90%, has seen a decline to around 70%. Indian Railways believes that by merging the Mumbai-Goa and Mangaluru-Goa routes into a single Mumbai-Mangaluru service, they will be able to achieve full passenger capacity and improve the overall efficiency of the operation.

The demand for train services connecting Mumbai to Mangaluru has been consistently strong, with trains running between the two cities, and those extending to Kerala, often seeing full occupancy. This trend has led Railways officials to estimate that a direct Vande Bharat service between Mumbai and Mangaluru would attract even more passengers, given the high demand for such services.

Proposed schedule and challenges

Currently, the Mumbai-Goa Vande Bharat departs from Mumbai at 5:25 am and arrives in Goa at 1:10 pm. Under the proposed schedule, the train will continue its journey to Mangaluru, arriving at approximately 6 pm. Similarly, the Mangaluru-Goa Vande Bharat departs Mangaluru at 8:30 am and reaches Goa by 1:10 pm. If the train continues to Mumbai, it is expected to reach its destination by around 9 pm.

However, the proposal faces some challenges, particularly due to congestion at Mumbai’s railway platforms during this time. Several long-distance trains are scheduled to arrive in Mumbai around 9 pm, and this could lead to delays or scheduling conflicts. The Central Railways has acknowledged this issue and indicated that adjustments to the Mumbai-Mangaluru Vande Bharat schedule may be necessary to mitigate the congestion.

With the aim of improving services and passenger comfort, Railways officials are working on refining the schedules and addressing the logistical challenges. If successful, the new Mumbai-Mangaluru Vande Bharat service promises to enhance travel options and reduce travel time for passengers, making it a highly anticipated addition to India's growing network of high-speed train services.