Marikuppam-Bangarpet train extended to city

The South Western Railway’s (SWR) decision to extend the Marikuppam-Bangarpet train up to Baiyappanahalli and the Kolar-Bengaluru train to Channapatna, promises to provide commuters a seamless ride.

The extension of trains on these lines is likely to ease traffic as commuters will have an option to use train services instead of traffic-clogged roads.

The Bengaluru City-Kolar-Bengaluru City Diesel Electric Multiple Unit has been extended to Channapatna. The train, which has been renumbered as 76526/76525, leaves Kolar at 6 am and reaches Channapatna at 11.05 am. The same train departs from Channapatna at 4.15 pm and reaches Bengaluru City at 5.40 pm and arrives at Kolar at 9 pm. The Marikuppam-Bangarpet train (No. 66514/66515) has been extended to Baiyappanahalli. It departs from Marikuppam at 3.15 pm and reaches Bangarpet at 3.50 pm. From there, it reaches Baiyappanahalli at 5.10 pm.

Officials from SWR said the extension would be operational only on weekdays. The changes have  come into effect from November 21.

Urban mobility expert Sanjeev Dyamannavar said the decision to extend the Kolar train upto Channapatna would help several passengers. He urged authorities to consider introducing a halt station at the trumpet flyover near the airport as a railway line already exists.

With regard to Baiyappanahalli extension, he said there would be eight passenger trains halting at the newly developed Hoodi halt railway station.  He also urged the railways to introduce a train connecting Whitefield, KR Puram, Channasandra, Yelahanka and Devanahalli bypassing Baiyappanahalli and City railway station.

Kolar-Bengaluru City-Channapatna departs Kolar at 6 am, Bengaluru City (9.45 am), Nayandahalli (10.10 am), Jnanabharathi halt (10.14 am), Kengeri (10.19 am), Bidadi (10.35 am), Ramanagaram (10.52 am) and Channapatna (11.05 am). Departs from Channapatna at 4.15 pm, arrives at Kengeri at 5pm and reaches Bengaluru City at 5.40 pm. Marikuppam-Bangarpet-Baiyappanahalli departs Marikuppam at 3.15 pm, Bangarpet (3.55 pm), Byatryanhalli (4.17 pm), Whitefield (4.42 pm), Hoodi halt (4.47 pm), KR Puram (4.54 pm) and Baiyyappanahalli at 5.10 pm. Departs from Baiyappanahalli at 5.15 pm, reaches Whitefield at 5.45 pm and terminates in Marikuppam railway station at 7.15 pm.