Sat Sep 20 07:53:11 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

Despite the completion of the new Pamban Bridge and the electrification of the railway line between Ramanathapuram and Rameswaram, a direct train service from Karnataka to Rameswaram, a significant pilgrimage site, has yet to be introduced. The Mangaluru Central–Rameswaram Bi-weekly Express, approved in March 2024, has not commenced operations. Existing special train services from Hubballi and Mysuru continue to terminate at Ramanathapuram, leaving passengers from these regions reliant on connecting trains. Rail activists express frustration, highlighting the disparity between the rapid introduction of services elsewhere and the lack of progress on the Karnataka route.

**News Article:**

**Karnataka Still Awaits Direct Train to Rameswaram Despite New Bridge Opening**

**MANGALURU, Sept. 20, 2025** – Months after the inauguration of the new Pamban Bridge and the successful electrification of the railway line connecting Ramanathapuram and Rameswaram, residents of Karnataka are still waiting for a direct train service to the renowned pilgrimage destination of Rameswaram.

Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the revamped Pamban Bridge on April 6, 2025, and Southern Railway’s Principal Chief Electrical Engineer Ganesh completed the statutory inspection of the improved line on September 13. However, the approved Mangaluru Central–Rameswaram Bi-weekly Express, greenlit by the Railway Board in March 2024, has yet to materialize.

“It’s frustrating,” said Yogendra Swamy of Mysuru Grahaka Parishat, a railway activist. “We have a brand-new bridge, an electrified line, and an approved train, but no service. Meanwhile, Southern Railway promptly introduced a daily service between Tambaram-Chennai and Rameswaram.”

Currently, the SSS Hubballi-Ramanathapuram-SSS Hubballi Weekly Special and the Mysuru-Ramanathapuram-Mysuru Weekly Special continue to terminate at Ramanathapuram, requiring passengers from Hubballi and Mysuru to rely on connecting trains.

G. Hanumanth Kamath, President of the Pashchima Karavali Railway Yatri Abhivriddhi Samithi, expressed disappointment that the announced Mangaluru-Rameswaram bi-weekly express has not been introduced even after a year, despite the initial excitement.

Swamy added: “Approvals and announcements mean nothing until trains actually run. We need action, not just words, to connect Karnataka directly to Rameswaram.”

Southern Railway officials have yet to comment on the delay in commencing the approved services.

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