The Vijayapura - Mangaluru Central - Vijayapura Express (Train No. 17377/378) that connects the northern part of Karnataka with coastal Karnataka has begun running with LHB (Linke-Hofmann-Busch) coaches. LHB coaches were provided to enhance passenger comfort and safety.

Train No. 17377 Vijayapura - Mangaluru Central Express began its journey with LHB coaches on May 6. The train arrived in Mangaluru Central on May 7. Train No. 17378 departed Mangaluru Central with LHB coaches on May 7.

Earlier, the services were being operated with 16 ICF coaches. Upon conversion to LHB, the composition of the rakes is — one 2-tier AC, three 3-tier AC, six second class sleeper, three general second class, one luggage-cum-brake van and one generator-car coaches.

The coach composition would change in July. The service would have one 2-tier AC, two 3-tier AC, six second class sleeper, four general second class, one luggage-cum brake van and one generator car coaches from July 4 ex-Vijayapura and from July 5 ex-Mangaluru Central.

Service began as a special train

The service was introduced as a special train between Vijayapura and Mangaluru Junction in 2019 following a demand to connect north Karnataka with coastal Karnataka. The special train was cancelled during the COVID-19 outbreak. The service was restored on December 1, 2021. The service was extended to Mangaluru Central with effect from April 20, 2024.

While the South Western Railway continued to extend the periodicity of the special trains at regular intervals, passenger associations and people’s representatives had been demanding regularisation of the service because fares in special trains are higher than in regular services.

The service was regularised with effect from September 1, 2025, bringing much-needed relief to passengers.

Train No. 17377 leaves Vijayapura at 3.15 p.m. to reach Mangaluru Central at 9.55 a.m. the next day.

Train No. 17378 leaves Mangaluru Central at 4.45 p.m. to reach Vijayapura at 10.30 a.m. the next day.