Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Dec 17: The Bengaluru–Mangaluru–Karwar Gomateshwara Express has resumed services after six months, now equipped with modern Vistadome coaches, giving passengers a spectacular view of the Western Ghats while providing easy access to sacred destinations in South Karnataka.
The train service had been suspended due to maintenance and track works along the route. Its return brings relief to devotees travelling to Dharmasthala, Subrahmanya, and other pilgrimage sites, offering a combination of convenience and scenic beauty.
Passengers can enjoy the ride in Vistadome coaches featuring large glass windows, panoramic glass roofs, and well-arranged seating, providing an immersive experience of the surrounding hills, forests, and rivers. The upgrade aims to deliver a memorable and modern travel experience for both devotees and tourists.
“This train allows passengers not only to reach the holy sites but also to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Western Ghats. It’s a wonderful combination of pilgrimage and nature,” said a railway official.
The Gomateshwara Express (16575/16576) continues to follow its previous schedule, departing from Bengaluru’s Yeshwantpur station at 7:00 am, with brief halts of less than five minutes at Shravanabelagola, Hassan, Sakleshpura, Subrahmanya Road, Kabakaputtur, and Bantwal.
Travelling via Hassan, Sakleshpura, Subrahmanya Road, Kabakaputtur, and Bantwal, the train provides stunning views of ghats and forests, offering a unique and refreshing journey through the heart of nature. Modern sanitation facilities further enhance passenger comfort.
The train is a cost-effective option for devotees, allowing them to visit Dharmasthala and Kukke Subrahmanya conveniently. Morning departures make it suitable for children and senior citizens, and ticket prices range from Rs 155 to Rs 250.
Previously, in 2021, Vistadome coaches were introduced between Yeshwantpur and Mangaluru Junction. Now, the Gomateshwara Express has received a similar upgrade, resembling international trains and providing passengers a world-class travel experience along one of India’s most scenic routes.