Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Mar 26: Railway passengers in Karnataka have received a major boost as the Railway Board has converted 19 special trains operating in the state into permanent services.

The move is expected to improve travel convenience, reduce fares, and benefit passengers across more than 15 districts, including Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Shivamogga.

Among the trains now running regularly are six express services — Mysuru–Ajmer Express, Bengaluru Dandu–Kalaburagi Express, SMVT Bengaluru–Bidar Express, Yeshvantpur–Talguppa Express, Hubballi–Yoganagari Rishikesh Express, and Madgaon–Karwar Express — most of which operate on a weekly schedule.

Nine MEMU and DEMU trains, including Bengaluru–Hosur MEMU, Hubballi–Vijayapura MEMU, Bengaluru–Ashokapuram MEMU, Bangarapete–SMVT Bengaluru MEMU, Hospet–Hubballi DEMU, Ballari–Davangere DEMU, Bengaluru–Hassan DEMU, and Ballari–Hospet DEMU, have also been made permanent. Passenger trains on Bengaluru–Channapatna, Mysuru–SMVT Bengaluru, Yeshwantpur–Hindupur, and Hubballi–Vijayapura routes have likewise been regularised.

Special trains previously caused inconvenience due to higher fares and irregular schedules. With their conversion into permanent services, ticket prices are expected to fall — by up to 30% for sleeper class and 10–15% for general tickets.

Officials said the decision would make travel planning easier, facilitate advance bookings, and benefit thousands of passengers across Karnataka, ensuring more reliable and affordable train services.