September 24, 2025: The demand for better connectivity between coastal Karnataka and Maharashtra has once again taken centre stage, with MP Kota Srinivas Poojari formally urging the Union government to extend the Vande Bharat Express service up to Mumbai. His request, addressed to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna, seeks to transform the current Mangaluru–Madgaon service into a seamless Mangaluru–Mumbai link.
For now, the high-speed semi-luxury train halts at Madgaon, leaving commuters bound for Mumbai dependent on alternate connections. Poojari’s proposal highlights a persistent demand from local traders, daily commuters, tourists, and business travellers who see Mumbai as both an economic hub and a crucial gateway. The MP has also stressed the need for sleeper as well as daytime services, pointing out that the city-to-city journey requires flexible options for different passenger needs.
The appeal is not just about convenience—it is about regional growth. Traders argue that a direct service to Mumbai would significantly improve the movement of goods, while hoteliers and tour operators believe it would boost tourism across the Konkan coastline. Citizens, too, are voicing their support on social platforms and through local community networks, underscoring how improved rail links can reshape everyday mobility.
Regional leaders have joined the chorus, recognising the wider economic benefits. A longer route would not only cut travel time but also position the Vande Bharat service as a preferred choice over buses and traditional trains. The potential for increased ridership, they argue, is substantial.
Railway officials are yet to make a commitment, but growing pressure from civic bodies, trade associations, and elected representatives suggests that the proposal cannot be ignored for long. If approved, the Mangaluru–Mumbai Vande Bharat could symbolise more than just a train extension—it would represent a strategic investment in coastal connectivity and regional development.
For coastal Karnataka, where aspirations are rising alongside its commercial ambitions, a direct bullet of modern transport to Mumbai could well be the next big leap forward.
Source: Dev Discourse
