Renewed push by activists to provide rail link between Mysuru and Goa
The extension, it is argued, would directly connect two of India's most iconic tourist destinations — the heritage city of Mysuru and the beach capital Goa by rail, a vital link which is currently missing.
Yogendra of Mysuru, who strongly advocates for the ramping up of rail network to boost public transportation, said the proposed extension would require an additional coverage of about 210 km from Murudeshwar.
It has been argued that not only will it be a cost-effective solution as it obviates the need for introducing a new rake altogether, but will also bridge a gap in the Karnataka railway network as Mysuru and the hinterland can be connected to Karwar in Uttara Kannada district.
Incidentally, Mysuru's direct link to Uttara Kannada was severed after the cancellation of the overnight Karwar–Bengaluru express via Mysuru.
What has peeved the rail activists is that despite several proposals submitted by Members of Parliament and Members of the Legislative Assembly, and favourable responses from both South Western Railway and Konkan Railway, the Railway Board is yet to issue a final notification.
MP for Mysuru Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar had met Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in November 2024 and apprised him of the demands of the local stakeholders. Mr. Yaduveer had pointed out that the proposal was agreed to, in the Inter Railway Time Table Coordination (IRTTC) meeting held in Jaipur in April 2024.
Gautam Shetty, an activist from Kundapura, said that the extension of Train No. 16585 upto Vasco Da Gama will establish direct connections between not just Mysuru and Goa, but will also connect various hinterlands of Karnataka like Ramanagara, Hassan, Subramanya, etc., with the tourist destination of Goa.
Incidentally, information sought by Mr. Shetty under the Right to Information (RTI) Act indicated that there is a proposal to extend the train to Vasco Da Gama, and the concerned zonal railways have given their consent for it. But the RTI reply dated July 10, 2025, states that approval is awaited from the Railway Board.
This delay for final notification has irked the activists who argue that this is not just about a train, but about connecting two iconic tourist destinations.
Stakeholders in the tourism sector point out that travellers visiting Mysuru can explore the possibility of continuing their journey to the coastal region, savouring its scenic beauty before moving on to Goa.
Incidentally, Mysuru was connected to Goa by air for a few years and the flights used to have over 90% occupancy rate, underscoring the passenger potential.
Besides tourism, the extension would improve access for students, workers, and small traders in districts like Mandya, Ramanagara, Mysuru, and Uttara Kannada. It would also enhance rail accessibility for Gokarna, Kumta, Honnavar, and Canacona — all important stops along the coastal route, argue the activists in support of their demands.
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