Latest news with #RaniAbakkaExpress
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Union minister urged to introduce direct train from Mangaluru to Ayodhya
Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta has written to Union minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, requesting a direct train from Mangaluru to Ayodhya. The MP reached out to the minister in response to the growing public demand from the people of the coastal and Malnad regions of Karnataka. The MP stated that a direct train between these two cities would not only serve the growing travel needs but also emerge as a symbolic cultural corridor, beautifully showcasing the ancient bonds between southern and northern India. Since there is no direct train at present connecting the two cities, passengers are forced to undertake long and inconvenient journeys via Bengaluru or other junctions, often spending over 40 hours in transit. A direct train would bring relief to the pilgrims and devotees and would be wholeheartedly welcomed by lakhs across the coastal and Malnad regions. A weekly or bi-weekly direct train between Mangaluru and Ayodhya via Hassan, Arsikere, and Ballari, or via the Konkan railway route that includes Madgaon, Kalyan, and Nagpur, will greatly promote spiritual tourism, cultural exchange, and ease of travel for citizens of coastal Karnataka, the MP said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Rename Kannur Express as Rani Abbakka Express Chowta also urged Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to rename the Kannur Express (train No. 16511/16512) as Rani Abakka Express in honour of one of India's earliest and fiercest freedom fighters, Rani Abbakka of Ullal. This year marks the 500th birth anniversary of Rani Abbakka, and it presents a fitting moment to pay tribute to her indomitable courage and patriotism. As the queen of Ullal in the 16th century, Rani Abbakka led a valiant resistance against Portuguese colonial forces, defending the sovereignty of her land with unmatched bravery. Renaming the Kannur Express, which originates from KSR Bengaluru and terminates in Kannur, and passes through the coastal belt of Karnataka via Mangaluru, would be a symbolic tribute to her legacy as a national hero, whose contributions deserve broader recognition, the MP stated.
The Hindu
19-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
MP seeks train from Mangaluru to Ayodhya
Dakshina Kannada Member of Parliament Captain Brijesh Chowta has appealed to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to introduce a direct train between Mangaluru and Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, and rename Bengaluru-Mangaluru-Kannur Express after late Rani Abbakka. In a letter to the Minister on July 18, Capt. Chowta said that demand for such a train from the people of coastal and Malnad regions of Karnataka is growing. The Member of Parliament stated: 'Mangaluru and the wider region of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi have a rich cultural heritage deeply rooted in Sanatana traditions. The reverence for Bhagwan Sri Ram, reflected in local bhajans, temples, and age-old customs, binds this region to Ayodhya at a civilizational level. A direct train between these two cities would not only serve the growing travel needs, but also emerge as a symbolic cultural corridor, beautifully showcasing the ancient bonds between southern and northern India, as envisioned by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.' He said, in the absence of a direct train between the two cities, passengers are forced to undertake long and inconvenient journeys via Bengaluru, or other junctions, often spending over 40 hours on travel. '... A weekly or bi-weekly direct train between Mangaluru and Ayodhya, via Hassan, Arsikere, and Ballari, or via the Konkan Railway route — Madgaon, Kalyan, and Nagpur — will greatly promote spiritual tourism, cultural exchange, and ease travel for citizens from coastal Karnataka,' states the letter. Request to rename train In another letter to the Minister on the same day, the Member of Parliament requested Mr. Vaishnaw to rename Train Nos. 16511/16512 (Bengaluru-Mangaluru-Kannur) as 'Rani Abakka Express', in honour of one of India's earliest and fiercest freedom-fighters Rani Abbakka of Ullal. 'Her legacy continues to inspire generations across coastal Karnataka and beyond,' the letter stated. Capt. Chowta stated: 'This year marks the 500th birth anniversary of Rani Abakka, and it presents a fitting moment to pay tribute to her indomitable courage and patriotism. As the queen of Ullal in the 16th century, Rani Abakka led a valiant resistance against Portuguese colonial forces, and defended the sovereignty of her land with unmatched bravery. She is widely regarded as one of the first Indian women freedom-fighters to wage a war against foreign invaders.' The letter added: 'Rani Abakka's defiance against the Portuguese, her refusal to submit to colonial demands, and her strategic alliances with neighbouring rulers marked her as a visionary leader. Her resistance lasted for decades, and her story is a proud chapter in our nation's history, especially for the people of Mangaluru and the broader Tulu Nadu region, who revere her as a symbol of courage, independence, and cultural pride.' He said that renaming Bengaluru-Mangaluru-Kannur Express would be a meaningful and symbolic tribute to her legacy as a national hero, whose contributions deserve broader recognition.
