Dakshina Kannada commuters’ association protested as the Railways resumed the process of extending the Bengaluru-Kannur daily express (16511/16512) to Kozhikode via Bengaluru. The Dakshina Kannada District Rail Association submitted a petition to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav and others. In January 2024, the Railway Board had given permission to extend the train to Kozhikode, but the decision was later frozen following Karnataka’s opposition. Now, with the resumption of the railway action, the coastal travel groups of Karnataka have come forward with opposition.

It is argued that the extension of the train connecting the coastal region to Bengaluru up to Kozhikode will be a setback for passengers from Dakshina Kannada and Hassan districts. The train started in 2007 on the Bengaluru-Mangalore route and was later extended to Kannur following the pressure of Kerala. Due to this, the reduction in reservation quota from Mangalore has been a setback for the passengers in the coastal districts. Karnataka says that instead of extending the current train, it is necessary to allow a new train to Kerala.

KKTF wants a new train to Kannur
The Karnataka Kerala Travelers Forum (KKTF) has demanded that a new train be allowed from Bengaluru to Kannur via Hosur. In the current Yeswantapura-Kannur Express (16527/16528) tickets are not available even 3 months in advance. General convener R. Muralidhar in his petition to Union Minister Suresh Gopi demanded that a superfast train departing from Bengaluru daily between 5 and 8 pm is required.

If Yeswantpura-Kannur Express is allowed to stop at Pattambi, Guruvayoor pilgrims will also be convenient. The number of coaches of the Bengaluru-Eranakulam Vandebharat Express should be increased from eight to 16. If Vandebharat is allowed to stop at Ernakulam North, Thiruvananthapuram-Mangalore Vandebharat will get connection. The petition also demanded that necessary steps be taken to start the Vandebharat sleeper service on the Bengaluru-Thiruvananthapuram route immediately.

English Summary:

Bangalore Kannur Express train route extension faces opposition in Karnataka. The proposed extension to Kozhikode has sparked protests from passenger groups in Dakshina Kannada, citing concerns about reduced access for local travelers. The current train is essential for connecting the coastal region with Bangalore.