Memorable inaugural run for many on Green route

There was a great demand for window seats and passengers merrily captured the picturesque beauty in their cameras

Passe

ngers who reached Mangalore in the morning train couldn’t suppress their curiosity. School and college students, who were on their way got into the train to see the arrangements.

Several people who had gathered to witness the much awaited train decided to travel in it on the spot. There was a huge rush at the ticket counter in the last minute, and many people got into the train without tickets just before it was flagged off, as they couldn’t get a ticket on time.

Quite interestingly, the train was flagged off almost on time, much against the popularly held  belief that the politicians would not reach on time. It was given a grand farewell at Mangalore Central station, where the school and office going crowd, railway officials, as well as a lot of volunteers from other organisations and Southern Railway Mazdoor Union (SRMU) had assembled and conveyed their best wishes for the maiden journey. People clicked incessantly to capture the moment. The farewell was greeted by a mild drizzle, as well.

On the way, one could see people working in the fields and the general public watching the fully decorated train with eagerness and waving their hands in appreciation. People burst crackers at Kalladka and Puttur and welcomed the train. At Subramanya Road station, the public even arranged a pooja in front of the engine and sweets were distributed.

At Sakleshpur, the KRV staged a jubilant demonstration in front of the train.

Many people had found comfortable seats near the doors and were touched by the scenic beauty of the Western Ghats. This was the first time most people were able to witness the beauty of the Western Ghats, also known as Green route, from such close quarters. At Sakleshpur, a passenger was heard shouting, “If there is heaven on earth, it is here, it is here...”

Earlier, Union Railway Minister for State K H Muniyappa said that flagging off the day train was the first important event after the new UPA government came into power. He also said that Mangalore Central Railway Station is one of the three railway stations which is proposed to be developed as world class railway station.