Mon Jan 05 09:25:33 UTC 2026: Summary:
Residents of the Dakshina Kannada district in India are protesting the Railway Ministry’s plan to extend the KSR Bengaluru-Kannur-KSR Bengaluru overnight express train (16511/12) to Kozhikode. They argue that the train was originally meant to connect Bengaluru and Mangaluru, and extensions to Kannur have already strained the service. They fear further extension to Kozhikode will overcrowd the train, reduce seat availability for existing passengers, and negatively impact the service for devotees visiting pilgrimage sites and business travelers in Mangaluru. They suggest addressing connectivity needs beyond Kannur with separate trains and highlight the need for enhanced rail connectivity for Mangaluru itself.
News Article:
Dakshina Kannada Residents Protest Train Extension, Fear Overcrowding
MANGALURU, India – January 5, 2026 – Commuters in Dakshina Kannada are expressing strong opposition to the Railway Ministry’s proposal to extend the KSR Bengaluru-Kannur-KSR Bengaluru overnight express train (Train No. 16511/12) to Kozhikode, Kerala. The move, outlined in the Ministry’s “Trains at a Glance 2026” publication, has sparked concerns about overcrowding and reduced seat availability for existing passengers.
Dakshina Kannada District Rail, a local advocacy group, argues that the train was initially intended to connect Bengaluru and Mangaluru following gauge conversion. They state that extending the service to Kannur already strained capacity and further expansion would overburden the system.
“The Kannur Express is the lifeline overnight service for Dakshina Kannada and Kasaragod districts,” said a spokesperson for the forum. “Extending it further will dilute seat availability for passengers and devotees visiting local pilgrimage sites.”
The group suggests that any additional connectivity needs beyond Kannur should be met with new, independent train services. They propose a new train via Salem to address the connectivity requirements between Kozhikode and Bengaluru.
Concerns also extend to the region’s economic growth. “Mangaluru is emerging as the second IT capital of Karnataka,” the spokesperson added. “It requires enhanced rail connectivity, not a curtailment of existing facilities.”
The Railway Ministry has yet to address the concerns raised by Dakshina Kannada residents. The extension plan remains a contentious issue as the community advocates for maintaining and improving existing services rather than diluting them through further expansion.
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