Bengaluru-Mangaluru Day Train Resumption Stalled: Safety Clearance Delays Hopeful Return

Travelers eagerly awaiting the return of direct day train services between Bengaluru and Mangaluru will have to wait a little longer, as the much-anticipated resumption on November 1st has been delayed. The crucial hurdle remains the pending safety certification for the landslide-prone Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road Ghat section, a vital link for the daytime express trains.

Hopes were high among passengers and local advocacy groups for the reintroduction of the popular Train No.

16575/16576, which connects Bengaluru with Mangaluru during daylight hours. However, railway authorities have confirmed that the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) is yet to grant the necessary clearance, making the November 1st restart unfeasible.

This particular ghat section, known for its challenging terrain and susceptibility to landslides during monsoon seasons, has been a focal point of concern.

Day train services through this stretch were initially suspended after July 2022 due to extensive damage caused by heavy rainfall and subsequent landslides. While night train services were gradually restored with speed restrictions, the day services, which require higher operational speeds and visibility, have remained on hold pending comprehensive safety assessments.

Railway officials have been diligently working to reinforce the infrastructure in the ghat section.

This includes vital repairs such as tunnel lining, strengthening of embankments, and other structural improvements designed to enhance safety and prevent future disruptions. Despite these efforts and successful trial runs conducted on the route, the final approval from the CRS is a non-negotiable step before passenger services can fully resume.

The delay is a significant disappointment for regular commuters, students, business travelers, and tourists who rely on this direct and scenic route.

The absence of a day train often necessitates longer road journeys or less convenient alternative travel arrangements. Passenger associations, such as the Udupi Railway Yatri Sangha and the Kukke Subrahmanya-Mangaluru Rail Commuters Forum, have been relentlessly petitioning railway authorities for the restoration of these services, highlighting their importance for regional connectivity and economic activity.

While no new date has been fixed for the resumption, railway authorities assure the public that safety remains their paramount concern.

The comprehensive inspection by the CRS is a critical process to ensure that the track, bridges, and tunnels meet the highest safety standards, especially after the extensive repairs. Passengers are advised to stay updated with official railway announcements regarding the revised schedule for this much-awaited day train service.