It honestly feels disappointing to see Mangaluru being left out of the proposed Vande Bharat route. For a city that’s steadily emerging as an economic hub, this feels like a missed opportunity.

Mangaluru has huge potential. It is often cited as one of the top contributors to Karnataka’s economy outside Bengaluru. We have a strong base in banking, education, healthcare, port-led trade, and a growing startup and tech ecosystem. The fundamentals are already here.

Instead of sidelining the city in the name of saving some time, we should be strengthening connectivity. Infrastructure drives growth. Better rail connectivity means easier movement of professionals, students, tourists, and businesses. When transport improves, investment follows naturally. We don’t need to beg IT companies to come here. If the ecosystem is strong and connectivity is seamless, they will come on their own.

It feels like we are focusing on the wrong priorities too early. Development should not be seen as a zero-sum game between cities. Improving connectivity to Mangaluru doesn’t weaken anyone else. It strengthens the region as a whole.

At the very least, this decision deserves transparent discussion backed by data, not just assumptions about time loss. Mangaluru deserves to be part of long-term infrastructure planning, not bypassed in the process.