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In a significant development for rail connectivity in the southern part of India, the Railway Ministry announced on Wednesday the extension of Train No. 20631/632 Kasaragod-Thiruvananthapuram-Kasaragod Vande Bharat Express to Mangaluru Central. This decision, set to be implemented from an early convenient date, marks a stride in enhancing the railway network's efficiency and accessibility for passengers traveling between these prominent cities.
Dakshina Kannada MP, Nalin Kumar Kateel, expressed his gratitude towards Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for fulfilling the request to extend this service. The move is anticipated to significantly benefit commuters by offering a faster and more comfortable travel option compared to other existing trains on this route.
New Timings and Operational Details
With the extension in place, Train No. 20631 Mangaluru Central-Thiruvananthapuram VB Express will depart from Mangaluru Central at 6.15 a.m., maintaining its original schedule from Kasaragod at 7 a.m., to arrive in Thiruvananthapuram at 3.05 p.m. Conversely, Train No. 20632 will leave Thiruvananthapuram at its existing time of 4.05 p.m., reach Kasaragod at 11.45 p.m., and conclude its journey at Mangaluru Central at 12.40 a.m. the following day.
The journey from Mangaluru Central to Thiruvananthapuram and vice versa spans 574 km and includes nine halts. The Mangaluru Central-Thiruvananthapuram service takes approximately 8.5 hours at an average speed of 71 kmph, while the return trip is marginally faster, taking about 8.35 hours at an average speed of 73 kmph. These trains will operate six days a week, excluding Wednesdays. Additionally, the primary maintenance of the eight-car rake, previously conducted in Thiruvananthapuram, will now be carried out at Mangaluru Central following the route's extension.
Comparative Advantage
The Vande Bharat Express, known for its speed and modern amenities, offers a significant time-saving advantage over other express trains operating on the same route. For instance, the Mangaluru Central-Nagercoil Parasuram Express, which takes 13.35 hours to cover a similar distance with 46 halts, and the Nagercoil Junction-Mangaluru Central Parasuram Express, requiring 14.55 hours for its journey. These trains have an average speed of 47 kmph and 42 kmph, respectively, highlighting the efficiency of the Vande Bharat Express in reducing travel time for passengers.
This extension is expected to not only cater to the growing demand for faster travel options among commuters but also boost the economic and tourism sectors in the region by improving connectivity. As the Vande Bharat Express services commence their extended operations, passengers can look forward to experiencing enhanced comfort and efficiency on their journeys between Mangaluru Central and Thiruvananthapuram.
