Proposals for new railway services to be submitted soon

The process of finalising the wish list for inclusion in the Railway Budget 2016-17 has begun and the Mysuru Division is expected to submit its demand for new services and projects this month.

Stakeholders have reiterated that, consequent to the completion of the track doubling between Mysuru and Bengaluru, some of their long-pending demands should be met.

The Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKKCI) has sought additional connectivity to Mumbai and Ahmedabad – two major commercial centres – in a bid to boost business.

The extension of Bengaluru-Mumbai Udayan Express to Mysuru is one of the key demands which has been pending for the last few years. Sources said the prospects were bright this year as the line capacity has been augmented.

Sudhakar Shetty, representative of FKCCI and a member of the Divisional Level Railway Users Consultative Committee, said new services between Mysuru and Bengaluru was a top priority. “To start with, we need an additional train before or after the departure of Chamundi Express from Mysuru and also from Bengaluru in view of the heavy passenger rush,” he said.

There are plans to extend the Kochiveli-Bengaluru express – which originates from Thiruvananthapuram – up to Mysuru, while another service between Kacheguda to Bengaluru, may also be extended up to Mysuru. Besides, an additional weekly night service to Tirupathi is in the pipeline.

The demand for increasing the frequency of Mysuru-Mumbai Sharavathi Express is pending, as also an inter-city super fast express train connecting Mysuru with Hubbali. The Mysuru-Dharwad Express provides direct connectivity but FKCCI said there was potential for another service. The route from Mysuru to Hubbali connects important commercial centres like Arsikere, Davanagere, Harihar, Rannebennur and Haveri.

Direct train to Goa

The other services sought include a direct train to Goa, to provide a direct link to two important tourist destinations. The direct links to some of the commercial centres of central and north Karnataka is reckoned to be important, as an inland container depot for exports will be established at Mysuru (near Nanjangud).

This will be established by the Container Corporation of India and is posed to be the second such facility after Whitefield. A direct link connecting commercial centres will make the container facility more viable.

Key demands

Extension of Bengaluru-Mumbai Udayan Express to Mysuru

Increasing frequency of Mysuru-Mumbai Sharavathi Express

Additional train to Bengaluru before or after departure of Chamundi Express