Resolve late running Bengaluru-Kozhikode Express train issue: Forum

Mangaluru: The Paschima Karavali Railway Yatri Abhivruddi Samiti has urged Union minister of state for railways V Somanna to find solutions to the persistent late running of Train No. 16511 Bengaluru-Kozhikode Express.

Samiti members, who submitted a memorandum to Somanna on Saturday, said the train has been running about 45-50 minutes behind schedule after reaching the Subrahmanya Road railway station.

“The train is convenient and highly sought after overnight service to access Bengaluru from coastal Karnataka. However, the train has lost its punctuality since the last six months causing huge inconvenience to commuters in the region. Kindly direct the concerned to resolve the issue of delayed operation of the train without changing its existing timing,” forum members urged.

The forum also urged the minister to ensure that introduction of Madgaon-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express should not affect the schedule of Mangaluru Junction-Yeshvantapur Gomateshwara Express.

“The present timing of the Train No 16575/ 76 Mangaluru Junction-Yeshvantapur Gomateshwara Express is convenient for the public of the region. It is learnt that the present convenient timing of the train is being altered to facilitate the operation of the proposed Vande Bharat Express. Altering the timing will cause severe blow to daily commuters,” samiti members urged.

In his response, the minister said the railways will not take any decision that would cause inconvenience to commuters. “Any decision will be taken keeping the convenience of the public in mind,” he added.