Rail users forum launches petition demanding restart of Mangaluru Central- Katra Navyug Express
Mangaluru: The Dakshina Kannada District Railway Users Forum has launched a petition campaign demanding the restoration of the Mangaluru Central–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Navyug Express (Train No. 16687/88), the only direct train linking Mangaluru to Jammu & Kashmir. The train service, which was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, has not been reinstated, leaving lakhs of passengers from Coastal Karnataka and other parts of South India without direct rail access to North India.
The Forum has urged the Indian Railways to restart the service with a new route via Hassan, Hubballi, Belagavi, Miraj, and Pune. They argue this will significantly benefit students, pilgrims, defence personnel, traders, and the general public.
Earlier, Navyug Express functioned as a slip coach service, with 12 coaches originating from Mangaluru that joined another rake from Tirunelveli to form the complete train. However, post-COVID, only the Tirunelveli-Katra section was retained, and the Mangaluru-originating portion was discontinued. The Railways claimed the Mangaluru leg was merely a “slip” and dropped it altogether—an explanation that the Forum has condemned as unfair.
Anil Hegde, president of the Railway Users Forum, said, “The Navyug Express previously ran through Kerala, which increased travel time. Diverting it via Hassan and Arsikere will be more efficient. Moreover, with the cancellation of the Mangaluru–Miraj Mahalakshmi Express, there is a connectivity gap that the Navyug Express can fill.”
He added that this revised route would also provide long-awaited direct connectivity for pilgrims visiting religious sites like Subrahmanya and Dharmasthala. “Many devotees travel from North India to these sites, but there is currently no direct train service. This train will also serve the large North Indian workforce residing in Puttur, Subrahmanya, and Bantwal,” Hegde explained.
Additionally, the proposal seeks to offer an alternative link to Pune and Delhi from Mangaluru, thereby improving regional rail accessibility. Hegde pointed out that while trains like the Ernakulam–Pune Poorna Express and Ernakulam–Pune Express take different routes, the Navyug Express, if restored via the proposed alignment, would benefit passengers in Hassan, Arsikere, and Puttur en route to Pune.
Separate railway division
The Forum president further emphasized the need to upgrade Mangaluru into an independent railway division. “Mangaluru has the infrastructure and passenger traffic to justify division status. If implemented, it would resolve several long-pending local issues, including language barriers with Malayalam-speaking staff at local stations,” Hegde said.
While acknowledging recent improvements at Mangaluru railway stations, he called for more services connecting Mangaluru to other regions of Karnataka and the rest of India.
Hegde also stated that there have been a lot of developments in Mangaluru stations, however he demanded that more services should start between Mangaluru and the rest parts of Karnataka. He proposed that new trains be introduced on the Mangaluru–Ahmedabad, Mangaluru–Delhi, and Mangaluru–Bandra Terminus routes.
The Forum has appealed to the public to support their petition, which can be signed online at: https://chng.it/ZHyVGkdqFs.
A vital link between Coastal Karnataka and North India Tr No. 16687/88 Mangaluru Central–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Navyug Express was unfairly cancelled.
— Dakshina Kannada District Railway Users (@dkdistrictrail) June 8, 2025
This prestigious long-distance train connected our region to Jammu & Kashmir. We now demand its immediate revival via… pic.twitter.com/wsxBhcWpuy
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Kalaburagi: 24-year-old constable falls on road as his bike goes out of control, dies on spot
Afzalpur: A 24-year-old police constable Dhareppa died as the motorbike he was riding went out of control and toppled on the road while traveling near Gobbur B village on Saturday morning.
Dhareppa, learned to be a resident of Shirawala village, was reportedly traveling back home to the village from Kalaburagi when the accident occurred and the bike fell on the road.
The police constable, who was grievously injured in the accident, is said to have died on the spot.
Aland Deputy Superintendent of Police Thammaraya Patil, Circle Inspector Lakhan Masaguppi and Devalagangapura Sub-inspector Sangeetha Shinde visited the accident spot and inspected it.
A case has been registered and investigation is underway.
