Dasara Travel Chaos: South Western Railway Cancels 26 Bengaluru–Mangaluru/Karwar Day Train Round Trips in October

South Western Railway (SWR) has announced the cancellation of 26 round trips of the Bengaluru–Mangaluru/Karwar day train during October, according to an official statement. The cancellations will affect services throughout the month, except for a one-week period during the peak Dasara festival season, a time when travel demand typically surges.

The decision impacts a key rail route connecting Bengaluru with the coastal cities of Mangaluru and Karwar, leaving many passengers who depend on the service scrambling for alternatives. While SWR has not publicly specified the reasons for the cancellations, such disruptions are often attributed to maintenance works or operational constraints. The exclusion of the Dasara week suggests an attempt to minimize inconvenience during the busiest travel period, but the broader October cancellations have still drawn criticism from regular commuters and holidaymakers alike.

Passengers have expressed frustration over the timing, as October marks the onset of the festive season in Karnataka, with Dasara being a major cultural and travel event. The cancellations could lead to overcrowding on alternate trains and increased reliance on road transport. SWR has yet to issue a detailed statement on the matter, and it remains unclear whether additional services will be provided to compensate for the lost round trips. Affected travelers are advised to check the railway's official channels for updates and to plan their journeys accordingly.