Mangaluru: The Mangaluru Central-Madgaon-Mangaluru Central Express Special (Train No. 56616/56615) will operate as a fully unreserved passenger train from Saturday, March 1, 2025.

With this change, ticket prices will drop by nearly 40 percent, providing relief to commuters. Statements from Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd., and the Southern Railway here said both the services would run as unreserved passenger services from March 1, as reported by The Hindu.

One second sitting reserved coach on Train No. 56616/615 would get converted as an unreserved coach thereby making all the 18 coaches as unreserved one.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, several low-cost passenger trains were discontinued. Some were later reintroduced as express specials but with express train fares, making travel expensive for daily commuters.

In response to public demand, railways have gradually reinstated some passenger trains.

With the reclassification of the train, ticket prices will see a significant reduction, making travel more affordable for passengers, added The Hindu. While the fare was Rs 150 from Mangaluru Central to Madgaon till February 28, it will become Rs 85. Similarly, Mangaluru-Karwar fare will reduce from Rs 125 to Rs 75. Additionally, the cost for Mangaluru to Bhatkal will decrease from Rs 75 to Rs 45, Mangaluru to Kundapura from Rs 60 to Rs 30, and Mangaluru to Udupi from Rs 45 to Rs 25.

Train No. 56616 departs Mangaluru Central at 5:30 a.m. to reach Madgaon at 1:30 p.m. while Train No. 56615 leaves Madgaon at 1:50 p.m. to reach Mangaluru Central at 11:05 p.m.

Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.



Manali (HP) (PTI): Three tourists died while 10 others suffered serious injuries when their tourist tempo traveller skidded off the road and fell into a gorge in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district on Saturday night, police said.

According to the District Disaster Management Authority, about 20 people were on board, and the vehicle was returning from Jalori Pass.

Preliminary reports suggest that the tourist vehicle skidded off the road due to slippery conditions created by incessant rains while descending toward Bhuntar on the 15 km stretch.

As many as 10 tourists have been rescued, and the condition of one of them is critical. Three tourists died on the spot.

Police, fire service personnel, and local administration are jointly conducting rescue operations.

The tourists were staying in a hotel in Jhibi, about 10 km away from Banjar town, where the accident occurred.

The injured have been rushed to nearby hospitals, officials said.

Further details are awaited.