Sat Jul 19 08:10:27 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewrite as a news article:

**Summary:**

Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta has requested the Union Railway Minister to introduce a direct train between Mangaluru and Ayodhya due to high demand and the region’s strong cultural ties to Ayodhya. He also proposed renaming the Bengaluru-Mangaluru-Kannur Express to ‘Rani Abakka Express’ to honor the local freedom fighter’s 500th birth anniversary.

**News Article:**

**Mangaluru MP Pushes for Direct Train to Ayodhya, Renaming of Express in Honor of Freedom Fighter**

**MANGALURU, July 19, 2025** – Dakshina Kannada Member of Parliament, Captain Brijesh Chowta, has formally appealed to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for the introduction of a direct train connecting Mangaluru with Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. In a letter dated July 18th, Capt. Chowta emphasized the growing demand for such a service from residents of coastal and Malnad Karnataka, citing the region’s deep-rooted cultural and spiritual connection to Ayodhya.

Currently, passengers face arduous journeys exceeding 40 hours, often requiring transfers through Bengaluru or other rail junctions. Capt. Chowta proposes a weekly or bi-weekly service via Hassan, Arsikere, and Ballari, or alternatively, via the Konkan Railway route, to significantly boost spiritual tourism, cultural exchange, and ease travel for citizens.

In a separate letter to the Minister, Capt. Chowta also requested the renaming of Train Nos. 16511/16512, the Bengaluru-Mangaluru-Kannur Express, to the ‘Rani Abakka Express’. This proposal aims to honor Rani Abbakka of Ullal, a 16th-century queen and celebrated freedom fighter who fiercely resisted Portuguese colonial forces. This year marks the 500th anniversary of her birth. Capt. Chowta states renaming the train would serve as a meaningful tribute to her legacy.

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