Kochuveli–Mangaluru Special Train cancelled for select dates, causing festive travel chaos

In a move causing major inconvenience to passengers, the Railways has announced the cancellation of the Kochuveli–Mangaluru special train for select dates during the festive season. The service to Kochuveli has been cancelled on December 26 and 28, and the return service to Mangaluru on December 27 and 29.
Train number 06041, scheduled to depart Mangaluru Junction at 7.30 pm on the affected days, and train number 06042, which departs Kochuveli at 6.40 pm, have both been suspended as per the notice issued by the Railways.
This sudden cancellation has left passengers scrambling for alternatives during a peak travel period. With only limited evening train options, such as the Maveli Express at 5.30 pm and the Malabar Express at 6.15 pm, travellers between Mangaluru and Kerala are likely to face considerable difficulties.
The special train was a preferred option for many due to its convenient timing and was widely regarded as an essential service. The abrupt suspension, amidst rising demands to convert it into a daily service, has come as a surprise, leaving passengers to seek other means of transportation.