Commuters Urge Extension of Madgaon-Mangaluru MEMU Express to Subrahmanya Road

Speedy Summary

• Patrons have requested an extension of the madgaon-Mangaluru MEMU Express to Subrahmanya Road (SBHR) or Kabaka Puttur to optimize the idle four-hour period of the train’s rake at Mangaluru.
• The Puttur-Subrahmanya Railway Users Association argues that such an extension would connect Goa with South India’s prominent pilgrim and tourist centers, including Kukke Subrahmanya.
• The train currently serves thousands of passengers daily traveling across key coastal towns like Karwar, Kumta, Udupi, and Mangaluru.
• Organizations like Paschima Karavali Railway Yatri Abhivriddhi samithi suggest timetable tweaks for enhanced connectivity without disrupting existing services.
• Advocates highlight benefits such as connecting major temples in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts while providing a cost-effective travel corridor for families between coastal Karnataka and Goa shrines.
• The entire stretch is already electrified, facilitating operational adjustments for the proposed extension.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The demand to extend the Madgaon-Mangaluru MEMU Express highlights two notable issues: optimal utilization of railway infrastructure and enhanced regional connectivity. With a growing emphasis on affordable public transportation in India, leveraging idle assets through smart operational adjustments could offer immediate benefits at minimal costs.Connecting coastal Karnataka with Goa’s shrines provides practical advantages to diverse groups-pilgrims, tourists, students, and traders-while reducing dependence on road transport.

However,careful evaluation is required to ensure disruptions do not affect current users. Stakeholders must align schedules efficiently while considering long-term planning focused on regional economic integration. This proposal exemplifies how minor policy changes can deliver significant socio-economic returns without much investment.

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