Vijayapura-Mangaluru Express Overcrowding: Passengers Demand LHB Rake, More Coaches

Mangaluru/Puttur, July 8, 2025: The chaos on Train No. 07377/07378 Vijayapura–Mangaluru Central Express right now is just wild. People are literally packed in there like sardines—both the general and sleeper coaches are running at something like 120% capacity, which, honestly, is just nuts. Ever since they stretched the route out to Mangaluru Central and switched up the timings, it is become the go-to train, and you can totally tell.

Folks have been blowing up social media, basically begging the South Western Railway to do something—add a few extra coaches, maybe swap out the old school ICF ones for those snazzy, newer LHB rakes. The current setup just can’t keep up, especially now that everyone’s expecting the train to go regular. It’s kind of a mess, and unless SWR steps up, it’s only gonna get sweatier and more crowded from here.

Vijayapura-Mangaluru Express Rising Demand and Overcrowding Issues

High Occupancy: The train operates at over 120% capacity, with general coaches severely overcrowded and sleeper berths filling up last-minute.

Current Coach Composition: As of November 2024, the train has 16 coaches: 6 sleeper, 3 AC 3-tier, 1 AC 2-tier, 4 general, and 2 SLR.

Passenger Complaints: Social media reflects frustration over cramped conditions, with passengers requesting more general and sleeper coaches.

Extension Impact: The train’s extension to Mangaluru Central from April 2024 and revised timings (departure from Vijayapura at 15:00, arrival at Mangaluru Central at 09:50) have boosted ridership.

Regularization Plans: The train, a special fare service, is expected to be regularized, further increasing demand.

Call for LHB Rake Upgrade

Current Rake Type: The train uses older ICF rakes, which are less safe and comfortable compared to LHB coaches.

LHB Benefits: LHB coaches offer enhanced safety, smoother rides, and higher capacity, addressing overcrowding and improving passenger experience.

Regional Precedent: Other trains in Karnataka, like the SMVT Bengaluru-Murdeshwar Express, have transitioned to LHB rakes in 2025, setting a benchmark

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Passenger Request: Posts on X urge SWR to upgrade to LHB rakes to match the train’s growing popularity and ensure safer travel.

SWR Response Awaited: South Western Railway has yet to announce plans for additional coaches or an LHB upgrade for this route.

Check the Tweet

Dear @GMSWR sir, @SWRRLY,
There is a huge crowd in the general coaches of Train No. 07377/07378 Vijayapura–Mangaluru Central Express, and even the sleeper coaches get filled at the last moment. Since the train is now running till Mangaluru Central with revised timings and is… pic.twitter.com/WUrJQREBLG

— Dakshina Kannada District Railway Users (@dkdistrictrail) July 7, 2025

Keywords: Vijayapura-Mangaluru Express, Indian Railways, LHB rake, additional coaches, Karnataka train, general coaches, sleeper coaches, South Western Railway, passenger demand, train capacity