File image of a train.
Credit: DH File Photo
Bengaluru: Vijayapura district in-charge minister M B Patil has discussed with V Somanna, Union Minister of State for the Ministry of Railways about reducing the current 15-hour train journey time from Bengaluru and Vijayapura and Bagalkot to ten hours.
Speaking with the minister via telephone on Saturday, Patil said that Vijayapura and Bagalkot-bound trains stop at Hubballi and Gadag for hours to change their engines. There is a need for trains to pass through bypasses in both places, he said. He also requested that if the existing trains cannot run on the bypass route, new train services must at least be dedicated for the benefit of passengers.
Somanna has reportedly responded positively to this request. He said that he would discuss this matter with the railway officials in Delhi soon.
Patil, who has been holding regular meetings in this regard, has also spoken with South Western Railway Chief Administrative Officer Ajay Sharma. Sharma has informed him that the train journey time between Bengaluru and Vijayapura, Bagalkot would significantly reduce after pending electrification of this section of the railway tracks is completed by July.