Summer rush: Special trains, Vande Bharat sleeper announced for Mangaluru

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, April 18, 2025: With summer holidays driving a surge in travel demand, South Western Railway has rolled out special services between Bengaluru and Mangaluru to ease passenger load and cater to the growing tourist footfall along Karnataka’s scenic coast.

A dedicated summer special train (Train No. 06579) began service from SMVT Bengaluru at 11:55 p.m. on April 17 and is set to reach Mangaluru Junction by 4:00 p.m. on April 18. The return leg (Train No. 06580) will depart from Mangaluru at 2:10 p.m. on April 20 and is scheduled to arrive in Bengaluru at 7:30 a.m. the next morning.

The train’s composition has been tailored to accommodate a wide range of travellers. It includes 1 First AC coach, 2 AC two-tier coaches, 4 AC three-tier coaches, 7 sleeper class coaches, 4 general second-class compartments, and 2 luggage-cum-brake vans equipped with facilities for differently-abled passengers.

These special services come as a timely intervention, particularly as Mangaluru grows in popularity among Bengaluru’s holiday-goers seeking coastal escapes.

Adding to the excitement for rail passengers, Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna recently announced that Mangaluru is set to receive a Vande Bharat Sleeper service. The sleeper version of the semi-high-speed train, currently under production, is expected to revolutionise overnight travel with enhanced speed, comfort, and modern amenities.

First coastal Vande Bharat Express begins operations

Meanwhile, the coastal city has also marked a significant milestone with the launch of the first Vande Bharat Express connected to Karnataka’s coastline. Operating between Mangaluru and Madgaon, the new service links two major coastal hubs, offering travellers a faster and more comfortable route between Goa and Mangaluru.

Although the Mangaluru–Madgaon route doesn’t traverse the heart of Karnataka, it marks the state’s first brush with the Vande Bharat brand along its coast — a move poised to boost regional tourism and trade across the western shoreline.