Mangaluru: Despite facing opposition, the railway authorities have decided to extend the KSR Bengaluru-Kannur Express (Train No 16511/16512) to Kozhikode.

This extension is expected to impact the availability of berths in reserved classes and seats in general coaches for passengers traveling from coastal Karnataka. As per the Ministry of Railways directive, Train No 16511/512 KSR Bengaluru-Kannur-Bengaluru Express will now include Kozhikode in its route. Departing from Bengaluru at 9.35 pm, Train No 16511 will arrive in Kozhikode at 12.40 pm, with halts at Thalassery, Vadakara, and Koyilandy.

Conversely, Train No 16512 will depart from Kozhikode at 3.30 pm and reach Bengaluru at 6.30 am. The extension is set to be implemented on an early, convenient date, as stated by the Ministry. Expressing their discontent on social media, rail passengers voiced concerns about the existing connectivity between Bengaluru and Kozhikode. Many passengers argued that the extension of the dedicated train from Mangaluru to Kozhikode would significantly reduce berth and seat availability for those traveling from the Karnataka coast.

Initially introduced in 2007, the train operated overnight between Yeshwantpur and Mangaluru Central. In 2009, it was extended to Kannur, much to the disappointment of passengers at that time.