In 1998–99 when Konkan Railway was opened this train got rerouted to Mangaluru via Konkan. Later, Ram Vilas Paswan extended this train to Ernakulam Junction in Kochi for the purpose of providing rail connection to Lakshadweep passengers who arrive at Kochi via ship.
In 1998–99 when the Konkan Railway was inaugurated, this train was redirected to Mangaluru via the Konkan. Later, Ram Vilas Paswan expanded this train to Ernakulam Junction in Kochi to provide rail access to Lakshadweep passengers who arrive at Kochi by ship.