Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Oct 25: The night express train that runs between Bengaluru - Karwar / Kannur - Bengaluru via Mysuru is expected to run via Shravanabelagola for four days a week commencing February 10 next year. The train currently takes longer journey and more time through Mysuru.

The Railway Board has given its nod to the proposal placed by south-west railway to run this train via recently opened route through Shravanabelagola. As per the revised plan, the train will take Hassan - Shravanabelagola route four days a week and on other three days it will run via Mysuru. Advance ticket booking for this train has been stopped now, it is gathered.

When the train takes Shravanabelagola route, it is scheduled to take two hours less than the alternative route as the distance between the city and Bengaluru through the new route works out to 357 km, 90 km less than Mysuru route. At present, the train leaves Bengaluru at 8.30 pm and reaches the central station here at 8.15 am. It then leaves for Karwar at 9 am and reaches its destination at 2.35 pm. As per the revised time, the train will leave Bengaluru at 10.20 pm and there will not be any change in the time it reaches its destination. The train from Karwar which used to reach Bengaluru central station at 8.20 am henceforth will reach at 6.10 am. It is said that non-availability of platform at central station here has compelled the authorities not to make changes in certain timings.

There is opposition for running the train via Shravanabelagola from railway commuters from Mysuru and surrounding areas.