It’s possible to save 20 hours of travel time between Mangalore and Katra; here’s how

Here’s a thought—how about if you could save 20 hours of the travel time between Mangalore and Katra (Jammu)? This means a total travel time of 50 hours against the usual 70 hours. This is not simply a wish, but a possibility if the Kanyakumari-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) - Kanyakumari Himsagar Weekly Express gets rerouted via Konkan Network.

This suggestion has come from the Kanyakumari District Rail Users’ Association. The association has expressed that the diversion would not only reduce the travel time from Kanyakumari to Katra, but will also bring about a considerable reduction of travel time for passengers travelling from Mangalore.


What we can also see is the direct connectivity between the destinations in the northern flank of India and destinations in coastal Karnataka. As of now, there is no direct link between coastal Karnataka and Jammu, especially after the cancellation of Mangaluru Central - SVDK Navayug Weekly Express.


Rerouting of this train route via Mangalore would mean a reduction of approximately 215 km, traversing through places like Madgaon, Panvel, Vadodara, Kota, Hazrat Nizamuddin and Jammu Tawi. There will be a reduction of a total of five hours for passengers travelling from Kanyakumari, and about 20 hours for passengers from Mangalore.

Jammu as an important tourist destination

Jammu holds a significant position as an important religious tourism destination in India and makes for a captivating place for pilgrims and travellers alike. At the heart of Jammu's religious tourism is the revered Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra, one of the most visited Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. Pilgrims from across India embark on this journey each year.

Religious tourism sites in coastal Karnataka

Places like Gokarna, Udupi, Murudeshwar, Kollur, and Mangalore are home to some of the most prominent religious sites in the country.