Bengaluru: Weekend returns, early-morning classes and Monday office hours have been taking a hit for young commuters on Bengaluru–coastal Karnataka route, with trains to Mangaluru running persistently late in recent weeks. Delays tend to mount as services move north beyond the city.Data from Indian Railways’ National Train Enquiry System (NTES) shows several long-distance trains on the route clocking average delays of over half an hour. SMVT–Murdeshwar Express (16585), for instance, recorded an average delay of 30 minutes on 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 increased to 39 minutes.
A similar pattern has been noted on Yeshwantpur–Karwar Express (16515), a key link between Bengaluru and coastal towns. Over the past week, the train has been arriving at Mangaluru Junction an average of 13 minutes behind schedule. Commuters say delays worsen further north after the train crosses Mangaluru, making them a near-daily occurrence.“When I last travelled to Mangaluru, my train was eventually delayed by nearly an hour,” said Soumilk Choudhury, a frequent traveller 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.”Rail enthusiasts and daily commuters say students and young professionals are bearing the brunt, given tighter reporting times. Kaushik R, who is based in coastal Karnataka, said the delays have become routine. “Many young people from around Mangaluru are relocating to Bengaluru for education and work. If delays cannot be avoided, South Western Railway should at least adjust timetables so passengers can plan better,” he said.South Western Railway officials acknowledged operational constraints along the route, particularly in Western Ghats section. A senior official said addition of extra coaches to popular services has added 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 said. “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.”For now, commuters say they are factoring in delays that have become a regular part of travel between Bengaluru and the coast.
