The Konkan Railway corridor, which passes through coastal Karnataka, continues to play a vital role in enhancing regional connectivity and supporting both passenger and freight movement. Spanning 251.76 route kilometres from Asnoti to Thokur, the railway line traverses the districts of Uttara Kannada, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada, cutting through the scenic yet challenging terrain along the foothills of the Western Ghats.

The section comprises 23 crossing stations and 2 halt stations, supported by robust infrastructure that includes 13 tunnels stretching over 11 kilometres, 145 cuttings across nearly 75 kilometres, 50 major bridges, 42 manned level crossings, 140 road over/under bridges, and 17 foot over bridges—ensuring safe and efficient operations.

In recent years, Konkan Railway has significantly upgraded passenger amenities and station infrastructure across this stretch. In 2025–26, several works worth ₹8.69 Crores have been completed, including the construction of a high-level platform at Kumta, the extension of a platform at Bhatkal, and the development of high-level platforms at Gokarna Road (PF-1). Improvements such as new signage at Karwar, Murudeshwar, and Udupi; enhanced platform surfacing and shelters at Udupi, Mulki, and Surathkal; and new toilet blocks at Udupi & Murudeshwar have further improved passenger convenience. A One Station One Product (OSOP) kiosk at Udupi has also been introduced to promote local products.

Work worth ₹8.72 Crores is currently underway on multiple projects, including the expansion of the executive lounges at Udupi and Construction of high level platform at Mulki, the platform extension at Padubidri, the installation of 3 lifts at Udupi station, and the construction of foot over bridges on Gokarna Road.

Looking ahead, additional passenger amenities amounting to ₹4.52 Crores have been sanctioned under the Capital Budget 2026–27, including a high-level platform at Barkur, a new foot over bridge at Mulki, modular shelters at Mirjan & Bijoor, improved toilet facilities at various stations and additional seating across stations in the Karwar region.

Konkan Railway has also outlined an ambitious plan of ₹22.80 Crores for the next five years under its 3rd financial restructuring proposal. Key projects include platform roofing at Udupi, Surathkal and Manki, conversion of rail-level platforms to high-level platforms at  Honnavar and Gokarna Road(PF-2), construction of foot over bridges at Honnavar, platform surfacing at Kundapura, construction of bio-toilet facilities at Udupi and ladies waiting halls at Kumta and Gokarna Road.

To provide a more comfortable travel experience for passengers, executive lounges have been commissioned at Karwar, Udupi and Mookambika Road–Byndoor. Restaurants at Udupi, Byndoor and Karwar stations, along with a garments outlet at Udupi, are catering to the needs of travellers while also promoting tourism.

Several passenger-friendly initiatives have also been introduced, such as dedicated “Pink Bubble” spaces for women at Bhatkal and Murdeshwar, Digi-locker facilities at Udupi, UPI-based QR ticketing, and availability of packaged food, local products, handicrafts and essential items at stations.

To enhance passenger connectivity, several new train services have been introduced and existing services extended in the last 3 years.

●   Sir M. Visvesvaraya Bengaluru (T) – Murdeshwar Express (16585/16586) introduced from 16 September 2023.

●   Mangaluru Central – Madgaon Vande Bharat Express (20645/20646) introduced from 30 December 2023.

●      Kachiguda – Murdeshwar – Kachiguda Express (12789/12790) extended between Mangaluru Central and Murdeshwar with effect from 11 October 2024.

Additionally, extra halts have been provided at the following stations:

●   Mookambika Road Byndoor (H): for Tirunelveli – Dadar Express (22629/22630) and Madgaon – Ernakulam Express (10215/10216).

●   Kundapura: for Lokmanya Tilak (T) – Kochuveli Express (22113/22114).

●   Kumta: for Hisar – Coimbatore Express (22475/22476), Hazrat Nizamuddin – Thiruvananthapuram Central Express (22653/22654) and Hazrat Nizamuddin – Ernakulam Express (22655/22656).

●   Harwada, Shiroor, Mirjan and Padubidri: for Madgaon Jn. – Mangaluru Central MEMU Express (10107/10108).

To cater to seasonal travel demand, Konkan Railway continues to operate special train services during peak periods. Up to February 2026, a total of 1,382 special trains have been operated on KR route, including 185 summer specials, 376 Ganapati festival specials, 86 winter specials and 735 other special services.

In addition to passenger amenities, new trains and additional halts, Konkan Railway has also proposed several major infrastructure works for capacity enhancement in the Karnataka section. These include Complete Track Renewal (CTR) for 73.3 km in the Shiroor–Udupi section, construction of a new crossing station at Mookambika Road–Byndoor, and development of additional loop lines at Gokarna Road, Honnavar, Barkur, Harwada and Ankola.

In a major boost to infrastructure, Udupi Railway Station has been approved for redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. The project, estimated at around ₹90 crore, is currently in the planning stage with conceptual designs under finalisation.

With continuous investments in infrastructure, passenger amenities and service expansion, Konkan Railway remains committed to improving travel experience, safety and connectivity along Karnataka’s coastal region.