Mangaluru, June 29, 2025: In a significant development for rail passengers, the Railway Board has officially regularized the Vijayapura-Mangaluru Central Express (Train No. 17377/17378), fulfilling a long-standing demand to make the special train service a permanent feature. This move is set to boost connectivity between the coastal region of Karnataka and North Karnataka, benefiting students, patients, and daily commuters.
The decision has been widely welcomed, with social media posts reflecting public enthusiasm for the permanent service. Dakshina Kannada Member of Parliament Captain Brijesh Chowta reacted, stating, "Pleased to share that the long-pending demand to regularise the Vijayapura–Mangaluru train has been fulfilled, much to the relief of passengers between the two cities. This move will benefit patients from North Karnataka seeking medical care in Mangaluru, students pursuing education in coastal districts, and regular passengers. Much gratitude to our Union Minister of Railways AshwiniVaishnaw & MoS V Somanna for enabling this." The Railway Ministry's decision aligns with ongoing infrastructure upgrades, including a proposed ₹9,000 crore suburban rail network for Bengaluru announced in the 2016-17 budget.
Vijayapura-Mangaluru Central Express Revised Schedule and Route Details
The Mangaluru Central-Vijayapura Express (17378) departs Mangaluru Central daily at 4:45 PM, arriving in Vijayapura the next day at 11:15 AM. Conversely, the Vijayapura-Mangaluru Central Express (17377) leaves Vijayapura at 3:00 PM, reaching Mangaluru Central by 9:50 AM the following day. The revised schedule, effective from July 1, 2025, changes the departure time for Train No. 17378 from 2:35 PM to 4:45 PM, offering greater convenience for passengers.
The train connects key stations, including Basavana Bagewadi Road, Almatti, Bagalkot, Guledagudda Road, Badami, Hole Alur, Mallapur, Gadag, Annigeri, Hubballi, Yalvigi, Haveri, Byadgi, Ranebennur, Harihar, Davanagere, Chikjajur, Birur, Kadur, Arsikere, Hassan, Sakleshpur, Subrahmanya Road, Kabaka Puttur, Bantwal, and Mangaluru Junction. This route serves as a critical link for those traveling for education, medical care, and business, particularly benefiting pilgrims visiting Dharmasthala and Kukke Subrahmanya temples.
Vijayapura-Mangaluru Central Express History
Initially introduced as a special train in November 2019, the service was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic. It resumed operations in December 2021 and was extended to Mangaluru Central from Mangaluru Junction in April 2024. Persistent efforts by passenger associations from Mangaluru, Davanagere, Hubballi, and Vijayapura, along with advocacy from former MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, current MP Brijesh Chowta, and Vijayapura MP Ramesh C. Jigajinagi, led to the regularization of this vital rail link.
The regularization eliminates the additional fare previously charged for the special train, making travel more affordable. “This is a major relief for passengers, especially students and patients from North Karnataka who rely on Mangaluru for education and healthcare,” said a railway official. The decision has been widely welcomed, with social media posts reflecting public enthusiasm for the permanent service.
Check Captain Brijesh Chowta's Tweet below-
Keywords: Vijayapura-Mangaluru Express, Mangaluru Central-Vijayapura train, Indian Railways, Karnataka train service, permanent train service, Mangaluru railway, Vijayapura railway, train schedule, North Karnataka connectivity, coastal Karnataka rail
