The new service from Mysuru to Hubballi via Bengaluru, (train number 17326) was flagged off from the city on Tuesday. This will be a relief to thousands of daily commuters.
The corresponding service from Hubballi (train number 17325) was also simultaneously flagged off through video link by Union Minister for Railways Suresh Prabhu.
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Timings
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The train from Mysuru will depart at 6.15 a.m. to reach Bengaluru at 9.10 a.m, and depart at 9.15 a.m. and reach Hubballi at 7.05 p.m.
En route, it will have stoppages at Srirangapatna, Pandavpura, Mandya, Maddur, Channapatna, Ramanagaram, Bidadi, Kengeri, Yeshwantpur, Tumakuru, Tiptur, Arsikere, Kadur, Birur, Ajjampur, Chikjajur, Davangere, Harihar, Ranebennur, Byadagi, Haveri, and Yalvigi.
Its corresponding service will depart from Hubballi at 8 a.m. and reach Bengaluru at 5.40 p.m. and depart at 5.45 p.m. to reach Mysuru at 8.40 p.m.
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The train will ease crowds on Siddaganga Intercity Express and Chamundi Express. It has 16 coaches comprising one 2nd class chair car, 13 general second class coaches, two second class luggage-cum-brake van with disable friendly compartment.
Divisional Railway Manager Atul Gupta said the train will link important centres passing through 13 districts. Pratap Simha, MP, said it was a long-felt need of the people but took herculean efforts to get the services sanctioned.
He said the growth of Mysuru and the railways in the region had made it imperative for a new satellite station either at Kadakola or Naganahalli and he would try to get the facility approved by the Railway Board. Though it was suggested that the train be named Nandi Express, Kadamba Express or Wadiyar Express, it was turned down by the authorities.
Mr. Simha said hence he mooted the idea of christening it Vishwa Manava Express as poet laureate Kuvempu gave the concept of ‘Universal Man’ from Mysuru and it was more relevant than ever before in the present times and Mr. Prabhu made the announcement during the inauguration.