Kasaragod: The proposal to extend the Mangaluru-Goa Vande Bharat Express to Kozhikode has once again come under consideration after Union Minister Suresh Gopi wrote to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw requesting the move.

The minister said extending the service to Kozhikode would benefit passengers from Kerala and provide a boost to tourism-related travel. He also stated that his letter highlighted the demand for a stop at Baindur, which serves as an important access point for devotees travelling to the Kollur Mookambika Temple. Suresh Gopi expressed hope that the Railway Ministry would take a favourable decision on the request.

He made the remarks while attending the 'Swachhata Pakhwada 2026' programme at Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL).

The proposal had surfaced earlier as well, and railway authorities had reportedly examined the possibility of extending the train to Kozhikode. However, the plan did not materialise following opposition from certain political quarters in Karnataka.

The issue has gained attention amid concerns over low passenger occupancy on the Mangaluru-Goa Vande Bharat route. While Vande Bharat services operating in Kerala have been recording occupancy levels of more than 150 per cent, a significant number of seats on the Mangaluru-Goa service are said to be remaining vacant.

Passenger groups and some railway officials believe extending the train to the Malabar region could improve ridership and make the service more viable. They argue that the move would not only help Indian Railways improve occupancy but also provide better connectivity for travellers from northern Kerala.

An extension to Kozhikode is expected to benefit passengers travelling to pilgrimage and tourist destinations along Karnataka's coast, including Baindur, Udupi and Murdeshwar. It could also offer a faster rail travel option for Kerala passengers heading to Goa.

The Railway Ministry has not yet announced a decision on the proposal.