Trains between Chennai and Mysuru via Bengaluru will go green from June with electrification work between Mandya and Mysuru stations set to be completed in three months.
Bengaluru Divisional Railway Manager Sanjiv Agarwal told DH that completion of electrification work will also cut travel time of Shatabdi Express by around 10 to 15 minutes. The present travel time by Shatabdi Express from Chennai to Mysuru is seven hours.
“At present, the train runs on electric traction between Chennai and Bengaluru. The electric locomotive is detached in Bengaluru to be replaced by a diesel locomotive. The electrification of the entire stretch will eliminate this process and save time,” he added.
However, long distance trains running to Mysuru from other places will continue with the diesel locomotive. “Changing locomotives at Bengaluru station is time consuming. Besides, we do not have spare electric locomotives to move other trains,” he said.
The senior official, however, said electric locomotives will dominate the future of railways. “It will start with trains originating in Bengaluru and Chennai stations to destinations with electrified tracks. Electrification has been sanctioned in all the directions from Bengaluru, including Tumakuru and Hosur sections. Work on Dharmavaram section is already over,” he added.
MEMU to Mandya
Agarwal said the mainline electric multiple unit (MEMU) train between Bengaluru and Ramanagaram will be extended to Mandya. He, however, said talks were on and the date is yet to be finalised.
SWR officials said electrification work till Mandya will be completed within a month. “The remaining work for the track from Yeliyur to Mysuru (about 40 km) will be done by June,” an official added.
Low patronage
The Shatabdi fare was reduced from Rs 438 to Rs 300 in December. Even on other trains, the 3-AC fare was brought on par with the AC chair car fare. “Despite these measures, travellers who prefer comfort are not taking trains, though they are faster and more comfortable compared to road transport,” SWR Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Sridhar Murthy added.
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