Chamarajnagar too now under broad guage

The stretch between Nanjangud and Chamara-jnagar now ready for operation, after the conversion from meter gauge to broad gauge , trains will begin to run between Mysore-Chamarajnagar soon.

The divisional railway authorities of Mysore have proposed three pairs of trains between Mysore and Chamarajanagar. The two pairs of trains presently being operated between Mysore and Nanjangud will be cancelled when the new trains begin to operate.

The two pairs of trains between Mysore and the pilgrim town of Nanjangud were introduced in June last after the completion of the track’s conversion into broad-gauge while the track work from there onwards to Chamarajnagar was in progress.

When the train services are resumed, it will be a big relief to the regular commuters between Mysore and Chamarajanagar, and provide a cheaper transport service than the present costly KSRTC bus services.

Following the clearance by the Commissioner for Railway Safety, the divisional Railways have proposed to operate three pairs of trains initially with a one-minute stops enroute. Trial runs between the two places have been successful.

The trains will leave Mysore at 6 am, 11.30 am and 6.15 pm and arrive at Chamarajnagar at 7.35 am, 1.10 pm and 8 pm. On the reverse direction, the trains will depart from Chamarajanagar at 7.55 am, 3.30 pm and 8.15 pm, and will arrive at Mysore at 9.35 am, 5.10 pm and 9.55 pm, respectively.

The trains will have stops at Chamarajapuram, Ashokapuram, Kadakola, Tandavapura, Sujathapuram, Nanjangud Town, Chinnadagudihundi, Narasambudhi, Kavalande, Konnanur, Badavaguppe and Mariyala Gangavadi stations, in both the direc-tions.

It was expected that the train services on the newly laid broad gauge track would become operational from November 1, Rajyotsava Day.

However, in view of the tight schedule of minister of state for Railways R Velu, the flag off could not take place, railway sources said.

When the train services become operational, the backward district of Chamara-jnagar will come under the broad-gauge rail map of the country, fulfilling a long-time need. A major entry point to Karnataka from Tamil Nadu, a large number of lorry services operate between the two States.

It will also benefit a large number of traders and agriculturists, in particular sericulturists, to travel to Mysore and workers, in particular construction workers, to travel back and forth Mysore at a cheaper cost.

The broad-gauge would also boost hopes of the Chamarajnagar-Sathyamangalam rail link, over a century old demand yet to be fulfilled between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Source: business-standard.com