MGP demands more trains on Mysuru-B'luru route

The Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP) has demanded additional trains to and from Bengaluru for the convenience of the commuters.

The MGP, which has been spearheading the movement, demanding more trains, since almost two years, has intensified its efforts with the commissioning of the newly laid track between Naganahalli and Yeliyuru stations on Monday.

Now, the 139 km-long Bengaluru-Mysuru railway track has been doubled with the exception of a 1.7 km stretch, pending the shifting of Tipu’s armoury near Srirangapatana.

So, the line capacity has been augmented by at least 50 per cent and hence, the Railways should introduce the much needed train services between Bengaluru and Mysuru to reduce the load on existing trains, states a press note from convenors of MGP N S Pradeep Kumar and S Yogendra.

200 pc capacity
“At present, Chamundi Express is running with more than 200 per cent capacity due to a huge gap of time from its earlier train. People of Mysuru have been requesting for an additional train from Bengaluru at 5 pm or 5.30 pm for almost two years and the MGP has submitted representations to the authorities concerned in Mysuru division as well as the head office of the South Western Railway at Hubballi.

Besides, the issue has been brought to the notice of all elected representatives of the region. The issue was also raised by industrialists’ representative Sudhakar Shetty during the recent Divisional Railway Users Consultative Committee meeting,” the press note states.

Postcard campaign
The MGP has been conducting a postcard campaign for the last eight months. More than 600 post cards have been sent to MP Prathap Simha and another 400 cards will be despatched shortly.

The MGP volunteers have travelled in trains between Mysuru and Bengaluru to collect signatures of ordinary travellers, urging the Railway authorities and MP Prathap Simha to introduce the train at the earliest, the convenors have claimed.