Bengaluru: The suspension of the Yeshwantpur-Mangaluru Junction Gomteshwara Express, which features the popular Vistadome coach, has dealt a significant blow to the state’s tourism prospects. According to South Western Railway (SWR), the service will remain suspended until early Nov because of electrification work. This decision also affects the Yeshwantpur-Mangaluru Weekly Express and the Yeshwantpur-Karwar Tri-weekly Express, which were halted on June 1. An SWR official said services are expected to resume either by late Oct or early Nov.Gomteshwara Express is particularly popular among tourists during monsoon season, offering a unique travel experience with its Vistadome coaches. These coaches, specially designed by Indian Railways, feature glass panels on the roof, providing passengers with panoramic views of the scenic Western Ghats and coastal Karnataka. Currently, SWR operates only two trains with Vistadome coaches, making the service highly sought after.The suspension of these services is on account of ongoing electrification work between Sakleshpur and Subramanya Road, which has frustrated travellers and rail enthusiasts alike. Ganesh Poojary, a rail enthusiast from Udupi, said: “That route is picturesque during monsoon. It’s a huge disappointment that I won’t be able to experience it this time around. It’s not as beautiful during summers, in my opinion.”As Karnataka eagerly awaits the resumption of these services, the delay highlights the challenges faced by infrastructure projects and their impact on tourism.
