Bengaluru-Mangaluru Trains Face Growing Delays, Disrupting Daily Life
Commuters traveling between Bengaluru and coastal Karnataka are facing significant disruptions. Weekend returns, early-morning classes, and Monday office hours are taking a hit as trains to Mangaluru run persistently late. These delays have become a regular feature in recent weeks.
Delays Mount Along the Route
Data from Indian Railways' National Train Enquiry System reveals troubling patterns. Several long-distance trains on this route are clocking average delays exceeding thirty minutes. The delays tend to increase as services move north beyond Bengaluru city.
For instance, the SMVT–Murdeshwar Express recorded an average delay of thirty minutes upon arrival at Mangaluru Junction over a seven-day period. By the time it reached Mangaluru Central, another major station in the city, the delay had grown to thirty-nine minutes.
Key Services Affected
A similar pattern affects the Yeshwantpur–Karwar Express, a crucial link between Bengaluru and coastal towns. Over the past week, this train has been arriving at Mangaluru Junction an average of thirteen minutes behind schedule. Commuters report that delays worsen further north after the train crosses Mangaluru, making late arrivals a near-daily occurrence.
"When I last traveled to Mangaluru, my train was eventually delayed by nearly an hour," said Soumilk Choudhury, a frequent traveler from Bengaluru. "It was held up for a long stretch at Shrivagilu station. One reason could be the growing number of Vande Bharat services from Bengaluru. Since these trains get priority, others are often pushed back."
Impact on Students and Professionals
Rail enthusiasts and daily commuters say students and young professionals are bearing the brunt of these delays. Tighter reporting times for classes and work make even minor delays problematic. Kaushik R, based in coastal Karnataka, noted that delays have become routine.
"Many young people from around Mangaluru are relocating to Bengaluru for education and work," he said. "If delays cannot be avoided, South Western Railway should at least adjust timetables so passengers can plan better."
Railway Officials Cite Operational Constraints
South Western Railway officials acknowledge operational constraints along the route, particularly in the Western Ghats section. A senior official explained that adding extra coaches to popular services has increased pressure on the line.
"We have written to senior officials for de-augmentation of Panchaganga Express to reduce the need for shifting crossings," the official stated. "It is a double-edged sword — adding coaches allows us to carry more passengers, but also leads to delays. Restrictions in the ghats section are structural and will remain."
Commuters Adjust to New Reality
For now, commuters say they are factoring in delays that have become a regular part of travel between Bengaluru and the coast. The persistent lateness is forcing people to adjust their schedules and expectations.
The situation highlights ongoing challenges in India's railway infrastructure. As demand grows, balancing capacity with punctuality remains a complex task for railway authorities.
