The disruption in train and bus services between Bengaluru and Mangaluru and Kerala region continued for the fourth consecutive day as railways cancelled the trains beyond Hassan while Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) could run only one bus.
On Friday, KSRTC cancelled all the services operating from Bengaluru towards Kerala except Palakkad. However, officials tested a new route by running three buses from Mangaluru to Bengaluru via Kottigehara and Mudigere to avoid the Shiradi Ghat section.
“Yesterday (Thursday), our staff drove an empty bus without passengers on the new route. Once they were convinced of its safety, we operated with passengers,” an official said.
KSRTC officials said tickets of 8,415 passengers were cancelled and fare amounting to Rs 52.78 lakh was repaid due to disruption in services.
Two trains between Mangaluru and Bengaluru were partially cancelled between Hassan and Mangaluru as well as Karwar were cancelled on various days. Officials said the Hubballi-Yashwantpur Express (train no. 16544) trip was cancelled for Saturday. The Kannur/Karwar Express trains were cancelled entirely on both sides on Friday. The trains were to run on diverted route via Tirupattur, Palakkad and Shoranur but officials decided against it following heavy rain and landslide in Kerala.
SWR Chief Public Relations Officer E VIjaya said two more fresh landslides to the extent of 25,000 cubic meters were reported on Friday between Kadagaravalli and Yedakumari Railway Station in the Sakleshpur- Subramanya Ghat section.
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