Capt. Brijesh Chowta instructed the Railway Minister that, within the absence of a direct practice between the 2 cities, passengers are pressured to undertake lengthy and inconvenient journeys by way of Bengaluru, or different junctions, usually spending over 40 hours on journey. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
In a letter to the Minister on July 18, Capt. Chowta stated that demand for such a practice from the folks of coastal and Malnad areas of Karnataka is rising.
The Member of Parliament acknowledged: “Mangaluru and the broader area of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi have a wealthy cultural heritage deeply rooted in Sanatana traditions. The reverence for Bhagwan Sri Ram, mirrored in native bhajans, temples, and age-old customs, binds this area to Ayodhya at a civilizational stage. A direct practice between these two cities wouldn’t solely serve the rising journey wants, but in addition emerge as a symbolic cultural hall, superbly showcasing the traditional bonds between southern and northern India, as envisioned by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.”
He stated, within the absence of a direct practice between the 2 cities, passengers are pressured to undertake lengthy and inconvenient journeys by way of Bengaluru, or different junctions, usually spending over 40 hours on journey.
“… A weekly or bi-weekly direct practice between Mangaluru and Ayodhya, by way of Hassan, Arsikere, and Ballari, or by way of the Konkan Railway route — Madgaon, Kalyan, and Nagpur — will vastly promote religious tourism, cultural trade, and ease journey for residents from coastal Karnataka,” states the letter.
Request to rename practice
In one other letter to the Minister on the identical day, the Member of Parliament requested Mr. Vaishnaw to rename Train Nos. 16511/16512 (Bengaluru-Mangaluru-Kannur) as ‘Rani Abakka Express’, in honour of one in every of India’s earliest and fiercest freedom-fighters Rani Abbakka of Ullal.
“Her legacy continues to encourage generations throughout coastal Karnataka and past,” the letter acknowledged.
Capt. Chowta acknowledged: “This yr marks the five hundredth start anniversary of Rani Abakka, and it presents a becoming second to pay tribute to her indomitable braveness and patriotism. As the queen of Ullal within the sixteenth century, Rani Abakka led a valiant resistance in opposition to Portuguese colonial forces, and defended the sovereignty of her land with unmatched bravery. She is extensively thought to be one of many first Indian girls freedom-fighters to wage a warfare in opposition to overseas invaders.”
The letter added: “Rani Abakka’s defiance in opposition to the Portuguese, her refusal to undergo colonial calls for, and her strategic alliances with neighbouring rulers marked her as a visionary chief. Her resistance lasted for many years, and her story is a proud chapter in our nation’s historical past, particularly for the folks of Mangaluru and the broader Tulu Nadu area, who revere her as an emblem of braveness, independence, and cultural delight.”
He stated that renaming Bengaluru-Mangaluru-Kannur Express could be a significant and symbolic tribute to her legacy as a nationwide hero, whose contributions deserve broader recognition.
Published – July 19, 2025 01:40 pm IST
