SHIMOGA: Advancing the timing of Shimoga-bound Bangalore Intercity train (No. 16201) from September 1 this year has caused inconvenience to commuters from Shimoga.
Earlier, the train left Bangalore City Junction at 4.30 pm and reached Shimoga Town at 9.45 pm. Now, with the railways advancing its departure from Bangalore by an hour, it reaches Shimoga at 8.45 pm. The train departs Shimoga at 6.40 am and reaches Bangalore at 11.55 am. The Shimoga-Bangalore Intercity train commenced its service from December 9, 2009.
It was then a dream come true for the people of Shimoga, as it helped them reach Bangalore at 11.55 am, finish their work by 4 pm and then catch the same train back at 4.30 pm.
“The main idea behind introducing the Shimoga-Bangalore Intercity train was to help people return to Shimoga on the same day, after completing their work in Bangalore. The earlier departure time was much more convenient. They should have postponed the timing instead,” said KV Vasanth Kumar, former member of South Western railway (Mysore division) consultative committee member.
Many people feel that the departure time of the Bangalore-bound train (No. 16202) should be revised, so that it can start a bit early and reach Bangalore earlier. The return train from Bangalore should start at 5 or 5.30 pm so that people can reach Shimoga by 11 pm. This timing would help the businessmen, officials and those who have urgent work in the capital, say residents.
Former chief minister and MP B S Yeddyurappa told Express, “I am not aware of this change in timing. I will talk to the railway authorities concerned over the matter”.
Speaking to Express, Legislative Council Chairman D H Shankaramurthy said, “It is inconvenient and will not help the people of the city. Instead of advancing the departure timing, the railway authorities concerned should have postponed it by an hour, that is 5.30 pm.”
MLA K B Prasanna Kumar told Express that he would talk to the SWR authorities to find a solution to the problem. This change in timing is causing inconvenience to hundreds of regular commuters who travel between different towns and cities located between Shimoga and Bangalore.
There are many regular commuters who travel between Bangalore and Tumkur; Tumkur and Tiptur; Tiptur and Arasikere.
According to highly-placed sources, the new departure time has also had an adverse impact on the revenue collection of this railway line.
Director of Shimoga District Chamber of Commerce and Industries, N Gopinath said, “Doubling the railway line between Tumkur and Arasikere will solve all the timing problems of the trains that run between Bangalore and Birur. Railway authorities should pay attention to doubling the railway track between Tumkur and Arasikere.”