Kerala likely to get Vande Bharat Sleeper on Mangaluru–Thiruvananthapuram route

Kasaragod: The Indian Railways’ flagship Vande Bharat Sleeper Service is under active consideration for the Mangaluru–Thiruvananthapuram route, a route known for being fully booked throughout the year regardless of the season.

MP M.K. Raghavan recently met Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to request Vande Bharat Sleeper services on three Kerala routes: Mangaluru–Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode–Bengaluru, and Kozhikode–Chennai. The minister reportedly expressed interest in the Mangaluru–Thiruvananthapuram route.

Currently, Kerala has two Vande Bharat trains in operation: Kasaragod–Thiruvananthapuram via Kottayam and Mangaluru–Thiruvananthapuram via Alappuzha. Both trains experience heavy passenger traffic. Due to the high demand, the number of coaches on the Kasaragod–Thiruvananthapuram Vande Bharat was increased from 16 to 20.

MK Raghavan MP told Mathrubhumi that the Mangaluru–Thiruvananthapuram Vande Bharat Sleeper Service is expected to start soon.

“This new train will attract passengers who prefer faster and more comfortable travel. It will also help passengers on waiting lists secure tickets on other trains,” Raghavan added.

Reports indicate that all stops currently served by Vande Bharat trains will also accommodate the Sleeper variant.

At present, three overnight trains operate on the Mangaluru–Thiruvananthapuram route: the Mangaluru–Thiruvananthapuram Central Malabar Express via Kottayam, and the Maveli Express via Alappuzha. After the Malabar Express (16630), there are no overnight trains to Thiruvananthapuram.