What will it Take to Get a Passenger Train from Bangalore to Mangalore?
Nandini Chandrashekar/Newindpress
Bangalore, Nov 16: What will it take to get a passenger train from Bangalore to Mangalore?
That is a question no one is willing to answer. A record twelve deadlines have been given for introducing this train, but more than a year down the line, it still remains a dream.
The track which was converted to broad guage has been plying just goods trains for more than a year. Initially, the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) had imposed strict restrictions for running a passenger train quoting passenger safety rules.
The track runs through the steep gradients of Shiradi ghats and the CRS wanted to ensure adequate distance between the goods train and passenger trains to avoid possible danger.
These details were eventually worked out paving the way for the introduction of the train. Nothing materialised out of that. Assurances from the local politicians to Railway Minster Laloo Prasad Yadav has not done the trick either.
It is ironic that Mangalore boasts of several politicians like Oscar Fernandes, Margaret Alva and the state BJP president Sadanand Gowda. The latter had vowed to make the train his top priority once his party came to power.
But these promises are simply not cutting the ice anymore. There is a good reason for people to be cynical. Around 750 passenger buses ply between Bangalore and Mangalore every 24 hours.
With roads on Shiradi ghats completely closed to all vehicular movement, the buses ply via Charmadi ghats and take about 13 hours to complete the trip.
Public protests and demonstrations have increased, especially in Mangalore and Udupi. Some groups in Mangalore have now decided to stop the goods train plying on this track from Nov 20 if the passenger train is not introduced.
The business community has its share of problems as well. At present, the goods trains mostly transport iron ore to the Mangalore port. Other items meant for export are now being routed through Chennai, Tuticorin and Mumbai.
Their only hope is more goods trains being introduced on this route. That is bound to be a long wait.
SWR officials make it clear that they are waiting for a nod from the Railway Board to introduce the passenger train as all formalities from their side have been completed.
The significant political mileage of introducing this train can be seen in the fact that the Congress wants Sonia Gandhi to inaugurate it and is waiting for dates. In between the political fight for credit, the losers as usual are the people.
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