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 opened, this train's route was changed to pass through Mangaluru via the Konkan. Later, Ram Vilas Paswan extended the train's reach to Ernakulam Junction in Kochi with the goal of providing rail access for Lakshadweep passengers who arrive at Kochi by ship.