Railways says ‘no’ to extending train to Whitefield

Commuters suggest two routes Ramanagaram– Bengaluru City train could take to the suburb

Railway authorities have turned down requests from commuters to extend the Ramanagaram–Bengaluru City train to Whitefield even though the latter came up with an alternative after their suggested route was rejected.

The train was announced a few weeks ago, but is yet to commence operations. Commuters, who travel by the crowded Bengaluru City–Whitefield train, have been demanding that the new train be extended to Whitefield. They suggested that the train start at Ramanagaram, go to Bengaluru City, Bengaluru Cantonment, Bengaluru East, Byappanahalli, K.R. Puram, Prestige Shantiniketan and Whitefield.

However, Railway authorities did not accept the suggestion saying the route was “congested”.

Then, commuters then suggested that the train go via Yeshwantpur, Hebbal and K.R. Puram.

Prakash Mandoth, former member, Zonal Railway Users’ Consultative Committee, Southern & South Western Railway, representing commuters, said: “We have suggested a solution that can be implemented. Railways must explore the possibility.”

But Anil Agarwal, Divisional Railway Manager, Bangalore, South Western Railway, told The Hindu, that the route is “not viable”.

If the train is extended, one of the beneficiaries will be the commuters who take the more expensive maxi cabs on the Outer Ring Road, which go from K.R. Puram to Kengeri via Yeshwantpur.