Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Oct 14: In a news which is likely to bring relief and cheers to frequent train travellers to Bengaluru, the Railway Board has given its nod to run Bengaluru - Karawar (16523) and Kannur - Bengaluru (16517) night trains through Shravanabelagola. Therefore, on four days in a week, trains will run on this route, which is considerably shorter. Date on which this decision will be implemented is yet to be announced.

At present, both these trains are run via Mysuru. As per the revised schedule, these trains will run four days in the new route and the other three days in the old route.

The people of coastal Karnataka had demanded for running both the night trains to Bengaluru via Shravanabelagola and south western railway had sent the proposal for the consideration of Railway Board. However, it is said that this proposal was opposed by railway passengers from Mysuru region. Bengaluru railway division which falls under south western railway, too had objected to it for financial considerations. As such, the Railway Board accepted the modified proposal put forth by the south western railway, it is learnt.

As reservations have already taken place on both these night trains, change in train route cannot be affected immediately, railway sources said. Once the old reservation period ends and new reservation begins, the trains might take the revised route.

Current the trains traverse 447 km when moving via Hassan and Mysuru. If they take Kunigal - Shravanabelagola route, the distance will come down to 357 km and as such, the travel time is likely to come down by two hours.