This has become almost the perfect train for Uttara Kanara passengers ever since it stopped going to MAQ and permanently got diverted via Kunigal. If only more coaches could be accommodated without hampering the timings.
There'd be more seats available at 16586 from Murdeshwar and 17310 from Madgaon, but most people would rather go board a train from Talguppa railway station instead.
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Only meaningful alternative would be taking a connecting train with 16511/12 at Mangalore which would be slightly less time-consuming.
Wonder why there isn't similar demand like Panchaganga for 16515/16. It could be given a daily run and would help matters with getting additional infrastructure for KAWR.