16585/86 SMVT Bengaluru Murdeshwar Express to connect Mysuru with Coastal Karnataka all days of the week.
The Ministry of Railways in its order CC 227/2023 dated September 5th, 2023 has approved the proposal from South Western Railways to increase the frequency of Train No. 16585/86 SMVT Bengaluru Mangaluru Express, from six days a week to daily, alongwith its extension up to Murdeshwar (MRDW) from existing Mangaluru Central Railway station.
Proposed Schedule of the SMVT Bengaluru Murdeshwar Express via Mysuru
Train 16585 SMVT Bengaluru Murdeshwar Express will depart from SVMT Bengaluru at 20:15 and is expected to reach Murdeshwar (MRDW), the end destination on the extended route at around 13:20 hours the following day.
In the return journey, Train 16586, the Murdeshwar-SVMT Bengaluru Express, is scheduled to depart from Murdeshwar at 13:55 hours and is expected to reach SVMT Bengaluru at 07:15 on the next day.
The extended portion of the route is expected to include stops at the following stations.
- Surathkal
- Mulki
- Udupi
- Barkur
- Kundapura
- Byndoor Mookambika Road
- Bhatkal
Railway board has also directed zonal railways to implement the order at the early convinent date.
Background of SMVT Bengaluru Mangaluru Express Extension
Mysuru MP, Shri Pratap Simha, urged Railway Minister, Shri Ashwini Vaishnav, to extend Train No. 16585/86 from Mangaluru Central (MAQ) to Karwar (KAWR) with additional coaches. However, due to operational issues, the extension has only been granted till Murdeshwar.
Earlier, Mysuru had lost daily connectivity to the coastal area due to the diversion of the Bengaluru-Karwar/Kannur route via the new railway line, which is the Hassan-Bengaluru route passing through Kunigal. Since then, the Member of Parliament Mysuru has been regularly following up on the issue with railway authorities and at the ministry level to restore the lost Coastal connectivity services.
Connecting Coastal and South Interior Karnataka: An Economic Boost
This proposed extension will significantly enhance connectivity between the Mysuru region and various key destinations in the coastal region. These destinations include pilgrimage sites, tourist hotspots like beaches, trading centers, and renowned educational institutions. This integration of tourism and economic growth benefits both regions, creating a win-win situation.
Historically, travel between South Interior Karnataka and the Coastal belt by road has posed challenges. This is particularly due to the ghat areas. One of the key advantages of this proposed train extension is the convenience it offers to senior citizens, women, and children. The rail extension will encourage people to choose this convenient mode of transport.
Furthermore, the extension will link the Mysuru region to the coastal region, connecting vital educational centers like Mangaluru and Manipal. It will also provide seamless access to revered pilgrimage centers such as Subhramanya, Udupi, Byndoor-Mookambika, Murdeshwara, and Gokarna.
In turn, residents of the coastal region will have the opportunity to experience the nature trails, pilgrimage centers, heritage sites of Mysuru region and connect with the state capital.
This connectivity will further contribute to the integration of the tourism economies of both regions. Thus fostering economic growth for the entire state.
Also Read: CONCOR’s Mysuru MultiModal Logistics Park nearing Completion