Pics: Umesh Marpalli 
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Jun 26: The DEMU (diesel multiple unit) train which currently is in operation between Mangalore and Bhatkal, has been extended to Madgaon with effect from July 1 this year.

As the train chugged into the station here, it was welcomed by office-bearers and members of Railway Yatri Sangha, Udupi along with BJP members here.

Though it is supposed to reach the station at 10.10 am on a regular basis, the train arrived at 10.45 am on Tuesday.

Welcoming the move to extend the train to Madgaon, R L Dias, president of Railway Yatri Sangha thanked Karwar regional officer Bindu who he said had responded positively to his appeal for extension and put in efforts to get it done.

Informing about the timings, he said train number 70105 will depart from Madgaon at 5 am and reach Bhatkal at 8.24 am, and Mangalore Central railway station at 12.05 pm. Train number 70106 will leave Mangalore Central at 2.55 pm and reach Bhatkal at 6.14 pm and Madgaon at 10.30 pm.

The trains will run on all days except Sundays.

A passenger travelling from Kundapur to Udupi will be charged Rs 10, Udupi to Mangalore Rs 18, and Kundapur to Mangalore Rs 30, Dias said.

Currently there are eight bogies, and depending on the demand, the number will be extended if required, he said.

Mattar Ratnakar Hegde, Sathish, Shyamprasad Kudva, Geeta Shet, Dinakar Shetty and others were present.