Karnataka MP Kota Shrinivas Poojary urges Vande Bharat sleeper express on Mangaluru-Mumbai route

UDUPI: As rail passengers continue to demand a Vande Bharat (VB) Sleeper Express between Mangaluru and Mumbai, Udupi-Chikmagalur MP Kota Shrinivas Poojary has appealed to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, requesting the service's introduction. He cited the high passenger demand and the route's strategic significance as key reasons for the proposal.
In his letter, the MP pointed out that trains on this corridor remain fully booked throughout the year, leaving passengers with limited travel options. He proposed launching a VB Sleeper Express on the Mangaluru-Mumbai route to offer a faster, more comfortable, and premium alternative, reducing dependency on air and road transport.
Raising concerns over reports that the Mangaluru-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express may be discontinued due to low passenger numbers, Poojary stressed that Mangaluru and Udupi are key educational, tourism, and religious hubs on the West Coast, requiring premium train services. Instead of discontinuing the service, he urged the railway ministry to consider extending it to Mumbai, given the diverse commuter base between the two cities.
The MP highlighted the strategic and economic significance of the Mangaluru-Mumbai rail corridor, noting that the Seabird Naval Base is one of India’s most crucial defence installations. Improved rail connectivity, he said, would benefit naval personnel and associated industries.
The region is also home to major ports and industries around Mangaluru, Udupi, and Ratnagiri, where thousands of workers depend on efficient transport. The West Coast, a globally recognised tourist destination, is famous for its pristine beaches, heritage sites, and pilgrimage centres. Cities such as Mangaluru, Udupi, Murudeshwar, Karwar, Thivim, Sawantwadi, and Ratnagiri collectively draw over a lakh visitors daily. Furthermore, Mangaluru, Udupi, and Manipal are well-known educational hubs, with students, faculty, and researchers requiring reliable and comfortable rail services, he stated.
Poojary also highlighted the economic importance of Udupi cuisine, a key part of India’s culinary heritage, and the frequent travel needs of hoteliers and businesspeople who rely on Konkan Railway services. He argued that a VB Sleeper Express would not only benefit Mangaluru and Mumbai but also strengthen coastal connectivity from Kanyakumari to Kashmir.
The MP expressed confidence that a VB Sleeper Express on this route would be a game-changer. Many premium train travellers are currently forced to opt for air or road travel due to the lack of train tickets. With limited flight options and high airfares, a significant number of air passengers would likely switch to the VB Sleeper Express.
“Currently, there are five nonstop flights, two dedicated daily trains, two weekly trains, and approximately 30 daily buses operating between Mangaluru and Mumbai,” he said.