Mangaluru: Prominent Christian Priest of the city Fr . Denis Castelino passed away on Friday (February 1) aged 73, in Mangaluru.

Founder of Our Lady of Vailankanni Shrine in Kalmady, Fr . Denis was ordained in 1971 and had went on to serve as the parish priest after serving as assistant parish priest.

Popular among the people as ‘People’s Priest’ Fr. Denis was also known for his social work and as a prominent writer.

Fr. Denis is also credited for initiating the famous community weddings at Rosario Cathedral in Mangaluru.

Local Christian community mourned the death of Fr. Denis.

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Bengaluru: The Krantivira Sangolli Rayanna (KSR) Bengaluru to Ernakulam Vande Bharat Express, launched on November 11 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has received a huge response in its first month, carrying more than 55,000 passengers and recording over 100% bookings in both directions.

According to a report published by The New India Express, the train is the first inter-state semi high-speed premium train connecting the southern states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. According to South Western Railway (SWR) data, the Bengaluru to Ernakulam leg carried 11,447 passengers in November with an average booking of 127%. In December, the number increased to 16,129 passengers, with 117% average booking.

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The Ernakulam to Bengaluru service reportedly carried 12,786 passengers in November, with an average booking of 141%. In December, the number rose to 14,742, with 106% average booking, the data showed.

The Railways calculates occupancy by including the total number of bookings. As per the report, if a train has 100 seats and 27 people are on the waiting list, occupancy is counted as 127%.

Railway officials reportedly said, they expect ticket demand to rise further in December due to Christmas and New Year holidays, along with the Sabarimala pilgrimage. The train is a popular choice among daily commuters, business travellers, students and tourists.