MP Kota Srinivas Poojary urges centre to extend Vande Bharat to coast

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi Feb 5, 2026: Member of Parliament Kota Srinivas Poojary has urged Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to extend the Vande Bharat Express to the Karnataka coast and to expedite the doubling of tracks on the Konkan Railway.

During a meeting with the minister in New Delhi, Poojary stressed the need to extend the Vande Bharat service from Bengaluru to Mangaluru, Udupi, and regions of northern Karnataka. He pointed out that over 600 buses and numerous private vehicles operate daily between Bengaluru and coastal districts such as Kundapura, Udupi, and Mangaluru, and said the proposed train service would greatly benefit daily commuters.

The MP also requested that a detailed survey be undertaken and funds released for doubling the 734-km Konkan Railway stretch between Mangaluru and Mumbai, stating that the move would significantly enhance rail connectivity and enable the operation of more train services.