Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (mb)

Mangalore, Dec 18: The shortfalls and inadequacies at the Mangalore Central railway station here were exposed in a wider perspective when the engine of of Mangalore-Jammu Tawi passenger broke down right on the Ullal bridge across river Netravati, as it was chugging off, soon after its departure on Monday evening. It blocked the movement of trains to either side, since shunting was out of the question.

Hundreds of passengers were put to inconvenience and hardships, as the Jammu Tawi Express, after having left at 4-20 pm after full check and servicing, within a kilometre of its starting point stayed put with its engine failure, right over the bridge. Although it was repaired in an hour's time, by 5-30 pm, four departing trains were delayed.

They were Kannur Passenger of 4-30 pm which finally left at 5-45 pm, Maveli Express of 5-40 pm at 6 pm and Malabar Express of 6 pm which could leave at 6-34 pm.

With increasing number of passengers to and fro Mangalore, laying of yet another track, entailing a new bridge, may soon be essential, feel many regular passengers.