Bengaluru Launches Dasara Special Trains Connecting Mangaluru Ernakulam Efficiently
Bengaluru is set to witness enhanced rail connectivity as the South Western Railway (SWR) introduces special trains to manage the surge in passenger traffic during the Dasara festivities. The initiative reflects Indian Railways’ continued focus on sustainable, efficient, and equitable public transport, ensuring that long-distance travel remains safe, timely, and convenient during peak periods.
Train number 06257 will depart from Yeshwantpur at 11.55 pm on September 30, arriving at Mangaluru Junction at 11.15 am the following day. The return service, train number 06258, will leave Mangaluru Junction at 2.35 pm on October 1 and reach Yeshwantpur by 11.30 pm the same day. These services will halt at key stations including Kunigal, Channarayapatna, Hassan, Sakleshpur, Subrahmanya Road, Kabakaputtur, and Bantawala, facilitating regional mobility across Karnataka.
In parallel, SWR is operating special trains between Bengaluru and Ernakulam to cater to passengers travelling to Kerala. Train number 06147 departs Ernakulam Junction at 4.20 pm on October 5, arriving at Bengaluru Cantonment at 8.15 am the following day. The return service, train number 06148, will leave Bengaluru Cantonment at 10.10 pm on September 29 and October 6, reaching Ernakulam Junction at 10 am on the next day. Key halts include Aluva, Thrissur, Palakkad Junction, Podanur Junction, Tiruppur, Erode Junction, Salem Junction, Bangarapet, Whitefield, and KR Puram, ensuring broad accessibility along the route.
Officials highlighted that the deployment of these special services is designed to ease congestion on regular trains, reduce road traffic, and provide a comfortable journey for festival-goers. Experts point out that such strategic additions during high-demand periods reflect a forward-thinking approach by Indian Railways in integrating eco-friendly mass transit solutions while promoting safe, gender-neutral, and inclusive transport systems.The trains have been scheduled meticulously to align with passenger inflow patterns, allowing commuters to reach key cultural and economic centres efficiently. With the Dasara season attracting large crowds for traditional festivities and regional tourism, these services are expected to improve travel planning, reduce travel delays, and maintain social distancing norms in ongoing post-pandemic operations.
SWR officials emphasised that passenger safety remains paramount, with regular checks on train infrastructure, sanitation, and operational efficiency. Additionally, the expanded schedule demonstrates Indian Railways’ commitment to supporting regional tourism, linking urban hubs like Bengaluru to coastal and cultural destinations such as Mangaluru and Ernakulam.The new special train services, operational from September 30 onwards, exemplify the integration of sustainable transport practices with cultural and economic imperatives. Officials noted that continuous monitoring and timely interventions would ensure smooth operations throughout the festival period, reinforcing Bengaluru’s position as a model for efficient urban and regional rail connectivity.
