M'lore-B'lore day train may not materialise soon

 Even as the newly elected MP from Dakshina Kannada district Nalin Kumar Kateel has promised to give top priority to realise the long-pending dream of day train to Bangalore, information available with the Deccan Herald, clearly states that the introduction of day train between Mangalore and Bangalore will be delayed.
According to an information sought by ITI College Lecturers Association Treasurer Chandrahas under RTI Act, the copy of which is available with Deccan Herald, the Railway Board has stated that “the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) has imposed severe restrictions for running passenger trains in the Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya ghat section.”
This is a ghat section with 1-50 gradient and four stations. Out of these four stations, only two, namely Donigal and Shiravagilu have catch sidings.
For the introduction of day train, the section between Donigal and Srivagilur has to be clear.
“In the existing condition, if the day train is allowed to run, it will affect the goods train movement. Thus in view of the operational restrictions imposed by Commissioner of Railway Safety and in the absence of catch sidings, introduction of 6515/6516 Yeshwanthpur-Mangalore Express is presently not feasible,” states the report.
In the meantime, Railway Yathri Sangha, Puttur Technical Advisor Anil Hegde had sought information like the reason for restricting the passenger trains speed to the limit of 30 kmph and denying the permission for train crossings between Subrahmanya and Sakleshpur stations; number of catch slides required and already existing and the healthiness of viaducts situated in the Ghat section from the Commissioner of Railway Safety under RTI Act.
“The Railways have to follow the norms already laid down as the CRS in its reply said that the Commission does not impose any conditions or give suggestions,” Hegde said.
However, South Western Railways Construction Division officials informed that the speed restriction was imposed in Ghat section on account of sharp curves and viaduct bridges.
No advice
“Nobody has given any advice to relax this restrictions imposed. There are two catch sidings provided in the section. Catch siding policy is under review by the Ministry of Railways and hence further decision will be taken only after the policy is decided. SWR-Maintenance Division Hubli has already undertaken the job of strengthening bridges, which were identified as distressed,” an official said.
Quoting Railway Safety Commission officials, Hegde said “the instruction by the CRS to SWR can not be termed as severe restrictions,” as they had given certain instructions to SWR to ensure safety aspects of the passengers only and nothing more than that.  
An official from SWR said: “Unless two more catch sidings are constructed at Yedakumeri and Arebetta stations, the chances of introduction of day train is bleak.”