Goa – Mangaluru Vande Bharat likely to be extended to Kozhikode

Kozhikode: Although it’s been a month since Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had visited Kozhikode, the authorities haven’t been able to keep their promise to extend the Bengaluru – Kannur train service to the city. Vaishnaw had visited the Kozhikode railway station to oversee the renovation works while he was in Wayanad for the election campaign. Although the railway board had taken a decision in favour of extending the Bengaluru – Kannur Express (16511/12) from Bengaluru to Kannur via Mangaluru, it hasn’t happened yet. The railway minister, after listening to the grievances of leaders and people, promised to find a solution soon. However, this promise still remains unfulfilled.

Reasons for the delay
The extension is being delayed apparently due to opposition from an MP from Karnataka, reports Manorama Online. It’s been almost ten months since the railway board took the decision in favour of extending the train; but, things remain the same. PK Krishnadas, former chairman of the Rail Passengers’ Amenities Committee and member of BJP’s executive committee said that they have discussed the matter of extending this train until Kozhikode with Ashwini Vaishnaw when he visited Kozhikode railway station on November 3. MK Raghavan MP claimed that the railway board chairman had told him that the decision could be put into effect as soon as the Minister puts in a word. He also added that the Minister had promised to extend the train although it might take some while.

Goa – Mangaluru Vande Bharat
MK Raghavan MP said that the Goa – Mangaluru Vande Bharat (20645) Express too is likely to be extended up to Kozhikode. He noted that the railway minister had mentioned about this in the recent meeting. The MP remarked that the current service is incurring losses for the Railways. If this train is extended to Kozhikode, the service would become profitable while adding an extra train service to Kerala. Meanwhile, the MP said that the discussions are underway to finalise the schedule of the train. Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had reportedly taken a favourable stance regarding the extension of the Goa – Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express up to Kozhikode in the meeting that was held here.