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Mangalore Bangalore Train - Will it be canceled

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Commuter RailPublic Transport

[Warning - still no source or reference for this development. So treat it as discussion, not 'news' in any sense. Anyone has a reference or quote, please provide one here - {editor}]

Its really a shocking news that the train from Bangalore to Mangalore will stand canceled from First of June 2008 as per the decision taken by the Railway board saying that it is non profitable.

Does anyone know that since the beginning of the said 6517 & 6518 trains, there is a minimum of 300 waiting lists of passengers. Then how can you say that it is not a profitable route. In order to make the people tired of the journey the trains reach the destination 2 to 3 hours after time. With this they want to make the people commuting on the trains be less and prove the fact that the route is non profitable. But please dont feel that the people of Karnatka are silent spectators. They will be aggressive once their morale is hurt. Dont try to put hand in lions mouth and try to count its teeth.

Comments

silkboard's picture

What the hell?

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It is impossible to make a reservation on this train unless you plan a month in advance, and they are saying this is non-profitable!?

May be that maintaining those tracks requires more money than what they make by running this passenger train or a few goods services. But can't they run more services? And what is the status of work on Bangalore Hassan line - that line could save an hour or more as the train currently goes to Mysore and then comes back up to Hassan before heading west to Mangalore.

Now, even if the service is not profitable, is Railways a pure profit making body, or a public service enterprise? Please, subsidize this route if it is not profitable - we need it!

Or, just hand over the tracks to us (Murali sir!?), we will figure how to make it profitable :)

shridhar's picture

ITs nothing but the lobby

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I too agree with you.  Its nothing but the lobby from the bus owners that has made the railway board to take such a decision.  It was passenger friendly for the people going to subramanya temple and from there to dharmasthala. 

However until we are stron enough to fight we cant do anything. Does it mean that only the goods is cocerned to them and not the passengers who put vote for them ?

 

 

murali772's picture

done deal

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Done deal! Let's demand they hand it over to us. We'll promote a consortium and run it. 

Muralidhar Rao

Muralidhar Rao
shridhar's picture

see this and you will understand how you are made a scape goat

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Difference between SBC-MYS-MAQ and SBC-ASK-MAQ is 45.23 kms.
But if SBC-ASK is busier than SBC-MYS then that could be significant in terms of time. Due to scheduling reasons, as Vasanth has been mentioning for a long time, you cannot convert distance to time linearly with trains.

The interesting thing is how much distance SBC-SBGA-HAS line(163 kms) will save eventually. When compared to ASK route its about 49 kms and when compared to MYS route a whopping 95 kms. By road SBC-HAS is 180-190 kms.

So in the ultimate picture what is the best travel time we are looking at?
Bangalore Hassan 163 kms:              ~2 hours
Hassan Sakleshpur 42 kms:                 1 hour
Sakleshpur Subramanya 55 kms:         2 hours  (max allowed speed 30 kms/hr  in the ghats)
Subramanya - Mangalore 92 kms:     1.5 hours

so about 6-6.5 hours for 352 kms?
murali772's picture

liberation struggle needed

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Any sector in total government control is a ready hunting ground for marauding lobbyists - railways, power, public bus transport services - all of them key infrastructure sectors. And, the burden on the public is just immeasurable - the very need for a different kind of liberation struggle today to free them from this government stranglehold.

Muralidhar Rao

Muralidhar Rao
Rithesh's picture

Bus Operators Cartel

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Another reason could be the Bus operators. This cartel had used every tactic to get the project delayed and were quite successful also. It wont be surprising if they had a role in this cancellation too. They are the ones to gain most from this move.
Vasanth's picture

Even with Mysore it should be possible in 10 hrs max

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Bangalore-Mysore 2 hrs - 2hrs 15 mins

15 mins for engine change

Mysore- Hassan 2 hrs

15 mins for engine change

Hassan - Mangalore 4.5 hrs

Currently, it is taking 12 hrs.

Unigauge project is the culprit here. Metre gauge trains are much faster in Ghats which was removed. People could have got connecting train from Hassan to Bangalore.

 

narayan82's picture

Ban the Bus!

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If people get united in this cause - we can all decide to take Only Govt. Busses, Share Taxis/Taxis/Carpool and resist the lobbying. Didnt the govt. just spend an absurd amount of time and money in converting the meter to broad guage? And now we say its non-profitable? Didnt we do some kind off RITES study before we converted the guage? Can we file an RTI application to find out any such details?
Narayan Gopalan
User Interaction Designer
Bangalore
bangalore-guy's picture

RTI to find why the train is being discontinued.

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You can ofcourse file an RTI application to ask the govt as to why is the train being discontinued. And if they cite losses, we can ask them are there no other routes in india where they are suffering such losses. And moreover it would have been a straight forward equation at the planning stage to assess the profit and loss estimation by projecting certain parameters.

And if that assessment was done and this route found feasible what has changed now that the route has become infeasible. Such questioning will certainly let the skeletons out of the cupboards !

narayan82's picture

RTI & PIL

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Well as I see it an RTI which reveals the basis of stopping can lead to a PIL against the route being shut down - which would be the way to go. Also, if its profits they are looking for can't they also have a good train and a "ro-ro" facility like in the Konkan Railway? Is this got to do something with the new Ghat section of the road opening soon?
Narayan Gopalan
User Interaction Designer
Bangalore
admin's picture

routes

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shridhar's picture

But they cant take the people on ride

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Even if the renewed ghat section opened they cant deprive us of our facility.  Is it mentioned in any constitution that the train and bus can not move together.  As it is not Kerala the people here do not reciprocate properly.  The cost of bus is 100 rupees more than the train.  Basic amnity is more in train.  Safety is more in train.  Even if the bus start plying in Ghat section, even a small accident on that location can strand you on the road for 6 to eight hours without water and food.  And once if the train stops then in next 100 years it will never start again.  Think hundred times before the facility goes out of hand.
narayan82's picture

stats vs reality

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Shridar - welcome to the world of lobbying! Statistics can prove anything - it can make a profitable venture seem to be a waste of money and vice versa. Problem is Govt projects try and justify stats with need/necessities. If this is the case then why not privatise everything! E.g: The advantage of having public sector banks are so that rural branches which are "non-profitable" will still run, providing those with banking facilities, whilst a private bank would ONLY operate in urban or "profitable" areas. Government projects cannot survive on stats and figure - they have to serve the people, for the people!
Narayan Gopalan
User Interaction Designer
Bangalore
Naveen's picture

Is Karnataka Soft ?

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This is yet another reason that makes me feel that we are 'soft' people & the railways are exploiting the situation without any care.

This has to be fought against tooth & nail.

bangalorean's picture

Surrender

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I would see this as a big blow to the democracy of India. So much of negativity going on all around bangalore. Still bangalore is moving on some how. This election is going to be make or break for the state and also to bangalore. I surrender to "Guruji" in this matter as, we have no say. I only pray to the Lord, that this does not happen. By praying only i feel, our needs are going to be fullfilled. (Vote Karantaka vote)
City.Zen's picture

Good opportunity

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As Narayan and Bangalore Guy have said, effective use of RTI can expose lot of rotten things in Railways.

The demand for this train is such that even doubling the fare to make it on par with the volvo fare will not reduce the waiting list.

City Zen
navshot's picture

Shridhar, I'm not sure if

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Shridhar,

I'm not sure if I'm missing something, but what is the source of this information? Is this news out there in some media? I'm interested in reading the reports.

-- navshot
Vasanth's picture

Mangalore Train - How the timings could be improved

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Mangalore Train Service – How can it be improved

The timings are delayed a lot. For example, Bangalore-Mysore with Stop in Mandya and 2 crossings can be covered in 2hrs 15 minutes and Mysore-Hassan in 2 hrs. Engine direction change in Mysore and Hassan should take 15 minutes.  I also have given an example via Arsikere Line. I think there are lot of trains running in that route during night times like Hampi Express, Shimoga Express, Rani Chennamma etc.. because of which SWR has taken the Mysore route.

If direct Hassan route is started, as said in the post, it is not possible to cover the distance of 190 kms in 2 hrs. It needs 3 hours atleast.

Current Timings is Like This: 
STATION CODE CAHNGED STATION NAME ARRIVAL DEPARTURE
 
YPR YASVANTPUR JN Starting Station 20:35, 09 May 2008
SBC BANGALORE CY JN 20:50, 09 May 2008 20:55, 09 May 2008
MYA MANDYA 22:43, 09 May 2008 22:45, 09 May 2008
MYS MYSORE JN 23:55, 09 May 2008 00:10, 10 May 2008
KRNR KRISHANRAJANAGA 00:43, 10 May 2008 00:45, 10 May 2008
HLN HOLE NARSIPUR 01:33, 10 May 2008 01:35, 10 May 2008
HAS HASSAN 02:15, 10 May 2008 02:25, 10 May 2008
SKLR SAKLESHPUR 03:20, 10 May 2008 03:25, 10 May 2008
SBHR SUBRAHMANYA ROAD 05:30, 10 May 2008 05:35, 10 May 2008
KBPR KABAKA PUTTUR 06:23, 10 May 2008 06:25, 10 May 2008
BNTL BANTAWALA 06:48, 10 May 2008 06:50, 10 May 2008
KNKD KANKANADI 07:40, 10 May 2008 07:42, 10 May 2008
MAQ MANGALORE 08:05, 10 May 2008 Destination Station
This can be improved like this: 
YPR YASVANTPUR JN Starting Station 20:35, 09 May 2008
SBC BANGALORE CY JN 20:50, 09 May 2008 20:55, 09 May 2008
MYA MANDYA 22:30, 09 May 2008 22:32 09 May 2008
MYS MYSORE JN 23:10, 09 May 2008 23:20, 10 May 2008
KRNR KRISHANRAJANAGA 00:05, 10 May 2008 00:07, 10 May 2008
HLN HOLE NARSIPUR 00:50, 10 May 2008 00:52, 10 May 2008
HAS HASSAN 01:30, 10 May 2008 01:40, 10 May 2008
SKLR SAKLESHPUR 02:30 10 May 2008 02:35, 10 May 2008
SBHR SUBRAHMANYA ROAD 04:40, 10 May 2008 04:45, 10 May 2008
KBPR KABAKA PUTTUR 05:35, 10 May 2008 05:37, 10 May 2008
BNTL BANTAWALA 05:50, 10 May 2008 05:52, 10 May 2008
KNKD KANKANADI 06:40, 10 May 2008 06:42, 10 May 2008
MAQ MANGALORE 07:05, 10 May 2008 Destination Station
Via Arsikere It might look  
SBC BANGALORE CY JN Starting Station 22:30, 09 May 2008
YPR YASVANTPUR JN 22:35, 09 May 2008 22:37, 10 May 2008
TUM TUMKUR 23:35, 10 May 2008 23:37, 10 May 2008
ASK ARSIKERE 00:50, 10 May 2008 01:00, 10 May 2008
HAS HASSAN 01:40, 10 May 2008 01:42, 10 May 2008
SKLR SAKLESHPUR 02:30 10 May 2008 02:35, 10 May 2008
SBHR SUBRAHMANYA ROAD 04:40, 10 May 2008 04:45, 10 May 2008
KBPR KABAKA PUTTUR 05:35, 10 May 2008 05:37, 10 May 2008
BNTL BANTAWALA 05:50, 10 May 2008 05:52, 10 May 2008
KNKD KANKANADI 06:40, 10 May 2008 06:42, 10 May 2008
MAQ MANGALORE 07:05, 10 May 2008 Destination Station

 

narayan82's picture

Next Praja Meeting

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I suggest next Praja meeting be with Railways. If we can meet southern railway head, with some questions and an RTI application....?
Narayan Gopalan
User Interaction Designer
Bangalore
Vasanth's picture

Bangalore - Shiomoga Day Time Limited Stop Train Needed

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Although there is rail link to Shimoga, there is only a passenger train that runs in the day time and a night train. A non-stop train from Shimoga early in the morning to leave Shimoga at 5:30 and reach Bangalore at around 10:30 with limited stops in Bhadravathi, Birur, Arsikere and Tumkur is needed. Again the train should leave Bangalore in the evening at around 5:00 PM and reach Shimoga at 10:00 PM.

Now people have to depend on Volvos or cars for faster travel which can be afforded only by rich.

Naveen's picture

Meet Railways

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Narayan - I'm ready - let me know when & we can go with any others who are interested.

 

narayan82's picture

Meeting Railways (Contd)

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I'll try and ruffle up some contacts meanwhile. Anyone else with any contacts?
Narayan Gopalan
User Interaction Designer
Bangalore
kiran8's picture

Who's decision is it anyway?

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I too agree that this is the Bus owners lobby that is behind this, and when one takes into account that many political bigwigs from Bangalore and Mangaloreare part of the lobby , i think one can draw ones own conclusions....The Shiradi ghat Road is finally ready for use and the train gets cancelled, perfect timimg i must say...was the train a stop gap arrangement? and what about the astronomical expenses incured for the gauge conversion? who is going to be held accountable for all that?....Is this some kind of a joke?and who is responsible for this decision?
tsubba's picture

source

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folks can somebody point to the source of this news? very critical, that there be a source. please post a link or atleast a reference to the news source.
tsubba's picture

sbc-maq

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From what i recall from media reports, SWR is turning in substaintial profits. In anycase, the entire halo around laaloo is all about subsidizing passenger trains and going hammer and tongs with freight. For doing this he has had invites to talk at business schools and has a chair in one of them. This line is mostly used by freight trains. There is just one heavily patronized passenger train which runs in the night. pulling only the passenger train because the track is not maintainable is just absurd. if they are going to pull all trains because the tracks are not maintainable, then it speaks volumes about the engineering capability of the railways if they cannnot build a railway track through the ghats. i dont care how much profit they make running tracks through the plains. if they cant REBUILD a track that already existed then there is no reason why its head should have chairs in schools and have such a halo around his name. i agree with narayan, the next praja meet must be with the railways. we need to ask them, just what are they doing for KA beyond making statistics? meanwhile, we also need to start tracking railways more carefully. because whether it is building a pedestrian walkover at YPR or CRS, SWR keeps making wierd excuses. vasanth awesome
prakash's picture

Latest News to support bus lobby

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Hi Bloggers

Here is a great news which would shock all the people of karnataka.  On wedenesday i was one of the passenger of the YPR-MANGLORE(6517) journey travelling in the S4 compartment. The train was late when in started from Bangalore and was having stoppages at all stations giving way to all other trains.  It reached Mandya by 11.30 and at around 11.45 it again stopped for the seventh time in yeliuru station for lack of signal. Then a team of masked men numbering 6 entered the compartment and started looting the people.  they had come with "long", "macchu" and other weapons.  Mind it no guns or revolvers.  All local made weapons.  And started snatching the ornaments and money from the passengers.  The shocked people who were irritated by the delay and lack of proper food on the train before knowing what could happen had given all their ornaments and before anybody could know what is happening they had absconded with the loot amounting to around 30 lakhs. Then the people pulled the chain and the incident came to light.

To all our astonishement none of the TT was found in the said compartments. How could it happen.  All started blaming that it was the pre planned drama from the railway department itself.  And sat on strike till one oclock. Then the police came and later on in Mysore the complaint was lodged at the Railway police station in Mysore.

Here we found several intersting factors.

1.  It was told by most of the passengers that it has been a routine practice to delay this train so that the people would get tired of this journey and in turn passenger traffic would decrese which in turn will make the trains cancel.

2.  There are other trains moving on this route which has large number of tamil busienss men travelling with lakhs of rupees jewelly moving to Chennai.  Setting aside those trains how could the robbers come to the train where only family members with credit cards travel. Here point to be taken note of is its only the ladies ornaments were stolen.

3.  Where did the TT's go when the incident took place.

4. It was also told that it is one of the enactment created to raise fear in the minds of the people.  This was quite visible on friday night.  After hearing the news nearly 70 sleeper seats were cancelled on the Friday trains moving from Bangalore to mangalore.  Of course the train was equipped with 6 police officials with revolvers.  The main conribution of these police people was that they stopped all food suppliers from entering in to train.  Police protection was provided till mysore only. All the six officials got down at mysore. 

5.  All the passengers were of the opinion that this is nothing but the lobby to make the poeple move away from the train.

These points certainly prove that the trains will get cancelled from the first of june.

Jai Karnataka! 

 

navshot's picture

Bus-lobby - some more instances

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Not just blore-mlore, there are some instances on other intra-state routes to support this theory. Even on bangalore-hubli, on which route there are multiple trains. Its a routine for trains to start late and arrive late. Some of the points to support this theory:

1. One new train's (Bangalore-Hubli express) schedule was changed to supposedly help a couple of private bus operators. Earlier, there used to be a trip on friday night from bangalore (when majority of the IT crowd travel to their natives). But that was cancelled and now it runs from bangalore on mon, thu and sat.

2. The other regular daily train (Bangalore-Hubli Passenger) is routinely delayed. One horrible experience - this was on 30th of Apr this year (was a wednesday) from Bangalore. The scheduled departure time is 10PM, but as usual, the train didn't turn up on time. There were no announcements made. At around 10:30PM, I called up the helpline (139) and they promptly declared that the train departed on time at 10PM! Finally, the train did arrive on the platform at 11:45PM, that too having a wrong train number on the coaches (585, instead of 583), which was another train to hubli taking a different route. There were no announcements, no help. Only from the charts pasted on the coaches, we could confirm that it indeed was 583! Then it departed at 12:05AM, a full 2 hours later than scheduled. Just for the heck of it, I dialed 139 again and it still maintained the train left on time!

3. Most of the trains arriving into Bangalore is usually late. Its common for Janshatabhdi to arrive at 10PM (scheduled is 9:10PM) and sometimes even at 11:00PM or later!

I'd personally shifted to private bus because of frustration from such delays (and shifted back to IR, because of their exhorbitant ticket prices during holidays/special occasions). There could be reasons for this delay, but when you see other instances, you get a doubt and it seems to support theory of bus-lobby rampant across karnataka.

 

-- navshot
shas3n's picture

Train robbery - sources

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Prakash,

sorry to hear about the trauma you and the other passengers had to face. I am not sure if there is a conspiracy behind it but this is nevertheless an undesirable incident.

One long term solution for this is to have doors of the compartment open/close only from the driver. Like the metro trains and like the normal trains in other countries like UK. That prevents anyone from getting in or out except at stations.

Meanwhile, here are a couple of reports on this incident in newspapers. DH report and TOI report (beware of pop-ups). -Shastri

-Shastri

anusha_singh's picture

lobby for the private people

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 It is true that the train 6517 & 6518 will get cancelled at the earliest.  It was disclosed to us by seven TTs who move along with us.  We are the IT people who commute regulary to Mangalore on Fridays and back to Sundays to Bangalore.  And he told that one of the MP of Mangalore(Rajyasabha) has control over 200 buses of which only 57 are plying now.  He has joined hands with the MRPL and NMPT (these people have representation in the railway board) so that they can stop the trains at the earliest.  Reason being no profit.  Of couse if people travel from one place to another take it Jana shatabdhi or Rajadhani the retruns  will be absolutely loss. Are they going to cancel these trains ?

Anusha 

always active

Anusha 

always active

silkboard's picture

Please call/email South Western Railway

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First thing to do is - confirm this news. Here is SWR website. The website has the contacts of SWR CPRO (Cheif PR Officer):

  • Phone +91 836 2289920
  • Email: cpro [at] southwesternrailway [dot] in

I called up the number a few times just now. No pick up, will retry. I have sent an email with the question on the YPR-MAQ train 'rumors'.

Can some more folks try and reach the PR officer?

Once SWR confirms these rumors, let us plan something, RTI first, and a PIL if a good # of members are willing to join hands.

anusha_singh's picture

Rumor test Mangalore train cancellation

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 Hi all thanks for the concern shown by writing the comments and also other effort like calling etc.

Here is a small test you can do it yourself to prove the fact that trains stand cancelled.  It is a general notion that the tickets for Mangalore Bangalore train need to be booked three months in advance or else you may not get proper confirmed ticket or may have to travel in general compartment.  this was true from day one of the train.  here is a link wherein you can check the seat availability of the train.

http://www.indianrail.gov.in/acc_avl.html 

and enter the data as below

Enter Train Number:   6517  
     
Enter Day, Month:  - May  
     

Enter Source Station Code: 

  SBC  
     

Enter Destination
Station Code: 

  MAQ  
     
Enter Class:  Sleeper Class  
Enter Quota:  General Quota
 
     
 

 

from here onwards check the tickets availability for the next 6 days and you will find after 26th of may almost all the tickets are availabe for booking.  Other than our regular 30 ticket booking none of the tickets are booked. We had booked thru online.

You will find the reality yourself. Because the govt can cancel any train within 24 hours of notice.  Landslide is the best reason during rainy season. 

 

Anusha 

 always active

Anusha 

always active

nijavaada's picture

Stop them all, and stop them tonight

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If a train between MLR and BLR is not making profit, lets stop all the other trains running between BLR and any other place. Lets even stop this MLR-BLR train.

The center would equally be involved in this lobby in my opinion. If this train aint making profits, its the center's responsibility to make it earn those profits. Not give up the business so easily like a coward. But clearly the center's intentions need a tit-for-tat.

Actually the need for all those trains that connect BLR to most other towns in India, is from people using those trains to come to BLR, than go out of BLR to those places, unless of course these very people are returning to their homes for Holi, or Deepavali or whatever!

There are fast running trains between any random place in TN and anywhere in KAR. There's a very meagre number of trains running within KAR, and whichever is, is subject to this kind of lobbying. But that is not the case with trains that run within TN, lets say.

We NEED to protest this phenomenon with vigour. Let us start with this - saying if you stop MLR-BLR trains, stop all *-BLR trains - trains running from anywhere in the world to BLR. This will then show where the REAL profit lies!!

-Nijavaada

[subject edited - {admin}] 

-Nijavaada
anusha_singh's picture

Do it fast

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what mr nijavaada has told is 100% right. do or die is what gandhi told. Either run or stop the train which do not make profits. Do it right now.

Here is a link for lodging your grievance

http://pgportal.gov.in/index.html 

in this you go the "Lodge your grieavance here" and you will get "GRIEVANCE   REGISTRATION   FORM     "

Plesae fill up your complaint and select the "Railway Board" and submit.

Regards

Anusha 

always active

Anusha 

always active

s_yajaman's picture

Profitability not a valid reason

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This seems like smoke and mirrors.  Indian Railways has certain social obligations apart from a profit motive.  Not every train that it runs is probably profitable. 

The tracks and train depreciation itself is an irrelavant cost to this as those costs will anyway be incurred.  Add a Western Ghat surcharge to make up the maintenance costs.  This seems too close to the opening of the Shiradi Ghat section to not make associations,

There are several ways to improve the margins on this train.  Add a couple of ACII or ACIII coaches.  Occupancy cannot be a big issue considering the data given by SB and Anusha. 

I am getting in touch with a friend who used to be in the Indian Railways to find out about how to put in a proper RTI query that cannot be dodged.

Srivathsa

 

Drive safe.  It is not just the car maker which can recall its product.

navshot's picture

Media?

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I think we should tip off media about the possibility of this lobby. I'm sure someone would be happy to investigate and blow the lid off. Question is, how? If someone has contacts with media, please do the needful.
-- navshot
narayan82's picture

Media too?

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Its a tricky situation, you know the "media" is also not a free body I guess they have thier own company at stake at times. The better way would be to make travellers aware of this. After all, Praja is a more complete sense of news than any paper!
Narayan Gopalan
User Interaction Designer
Bangalore
anusha_singh's picture

how about tv9

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Has anyone link to TV9 so that they can do something in this respect. 

Anusha 

always active

Anusha 

always active

Just a suggestion

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At the outset i do not wish to sound that i am blowing the trumpet for any political party. But when viewed objectively, Shri Narendra Modi has done a remarkable job of upgrading all major roads in Gujarat and the Railways as well.

The bus lobby is extremely well organised in KA. Vijay Sankeshwar of Vijayanand Travels openly flouts all rules by parking his buses in Bengaluru on no parking zones.

The only power we have with us is sites like praja from which we can pass on the information and start campaining.

prakash's picture

can all of us write to TV 9

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Here is the email of TV9

response@tv9.net

Regards

 

narayan82's picture

no givng up!

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I did not mean that we do not write to TV Channels - i think we should make everyone aware, through all means possible and all channels possible. Maybe we can approach Tehelka? On the other hand maybe we can start informing people through viral campaigns, word of mouth and other such sources. Basically create awareness. We can also follow up with the railways and find out if there are any parties in the railways who oppose this view but are forced to keep quite.
Narayan Gopalan
User Interaction Designer
Bangalore
shas3n's picture

Credible?

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I agree with you all here and if this is true, we should raise our voice and get the facts out.

But please, please someone provide a credible source for this news. Without a strong and credible source, if we get agitated, we will be making fools of ourselves. (Don't intend to insult anybody's sensibilities here; so please take this in the right spirit).

As the wikipedia would say, [citation needed] :)

-Shastri

-Shastri

narayan82's picture

True

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Yes, I agree with Shastri, we can have our actions planned and take them forward once we receive confirmation. A credible source could be the RTI Application.
Narayan Gopalan
User Interaction Designer
Bangalore
anusha_singh's picture

strong lobby

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This is the information given to us yesterday by the TT who was in the train.  Even he has confirmed the stoppage of the train.  But the thing is the lobby is so strong no news is disclosed until the shiradi ghat is opened.  So that the people will not have the pinch.  So that at least they can be satisfied at the available resources. And also they are awaiting for the first monsoon rain to come,  So that they can blame it on the Ghat section land slide etc. All is being done with pin drop silence.  Shhhhhhh!

 

Anusha 

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Anusha 

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blrsri's picture

environmental angle

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A fragile ecosystem of the westernghats is already being damaged by vehicular traffic, such decissions will bring even more vehicles onto the roads!

Imagine a oil tanker brushes a iron ore carrying truck and there is a jam through the night and the slow moving traffic disturbs the home of slender loris and makes it too hot for the orchids to grow on tree tops!

Where is ESG and other environment groups..they can join in to stop the move!

Btwn Edakumeri track trek is still a unforgetable dream for nature lovers!

narayan82's picture

For the environment

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I maybe wrong but to me it seems a better option for the environment (the train that is) If 700 people take a train, it would consume less deisel and pollute less than the 30 busses used to carry the same people were used. Am i right?
Narayan Gopalan
User Interaction Designer
Bangalore
santsub's picture

Environment and Safety

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In an age when we are thinking of trains that do not pollute and increase public transportation that is more earth friendly and people friendly there are some who just want to make money and dont care anything more than themselves..


I think Trains are the best option for people - infact we should moot for a speed train to connect mangalore to boost economy - Mangalore port can be used more efficiently with trains and not trucks and busses - I am Strongly against busses.

vikrambaliga's picture

how about economic degrowth.

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Hi everyone,

Investment Experts talk about India as a growing Economy.You know atleast 10%,if not more of indias gross domestic product can be contributed by Indian Railways alone.Lalluji is doing a good job in taking it to greater levels.

Without base if one declares  a railway route to be non profitable,when  its really profitable,he would serve his needs for shorter period.

You know the word short also means 'temporary'.longer, when the people becpme more civilised 'they will not be able to stop the march of general public towards destiny'.

We all people of india  as responsible citizens should know that Indian Railways has been underutilised as feeders to the national treasury.

Very sad to know that the mangalore-Bangalore train is going to be stopped due to non profitability.Utter Nonsense.

I have travelled through this line a number of occasions.You literally have no space to sit.If someone says its not profitable,Are Railways are running it for free?without revenue?i dont think so.

 

 

Naveen's picture

It calls for a PIL

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Blrsri, Santsub, Narayan - about environmental degradation of the western ghats ---

I think you have a very valid point. Your point is solid enough for a PIL that can be won on this count alone, let alone traffic figures (which can be obtained by RTI).

Anusha - I tried what you suggested - after 30th/May, all are available (not 26th). So, it looks like 'D-day' for closure is 31st onwards.

 

Contact Shri Sitaram Yechury

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Shri Sitaram Yechury, CPI(M) M.P of Rajya Sabha, is the Chairman of the standing committee on transport, tourism and culture. Ideally, he would be the best person to write to about the influence of the bus mafia in strangling the Bangalore - Mangalore train service.

I will try to contact Shri Yechury directly through my sources, but i welcome suggestions from readers if they have any other alternate means. 

anusha_singh's picture

other links please

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Can anyone give the links wherein we can post the links so that more and more people join their hands in writing their opinions or contacts. 

Anusha 

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Anusha 

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blrsri's picture

and yechury suggested..

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rahter recommended keeping open of HAL too..but failed!

..wonder how they are letting the politburo be taken for a ride!

harsha's picture

A very needful train

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Hi All writers

Read all the comment and was really happy to know at least there are some people who are really in need of this train. Let me tell you some important benifits of this train and how the people are taking dis advantge of the weakness.  The facts i disclose may be shocking and even it hurts to a true Indian.

This train links to Subramanya which is the holy place of the Hindus and nearly 43% of the people get down here.  You will be shocked to know that there is a lobby here which makes the train to come only after 6.30.  One mr V.Bhat(name hidden) who is the key person in the temple has control over the boardings in the hotel.  So if the "Bhaktas" come after 7 they will be missing their first pooja which would be performed between 5 to 6.30.  So they need to stay in the hotels for a day and the hotel cost has increased 40% after the opening of this train. There are so many complaints on this person but it is irrelavant in this blog.  So these people have tipped off the station crew who will not give the clearance signal even if there are no crossings.

The train should move at a max of 35 Kmph on ghat section which moves only at 8 to 10 Kmph on the pretext of "peoples life is precious".  Does the railway department think that the peoples time is not precious.  Economists where have you gone.  Take the human hour loss  and write pls.  Total average passengers plying on this train to and fro per day is more than 2,600.

The peole are made to suffer for loss of food.  You wont be getting anything to eat until you reach subramanya.  Now after the robbery they have deployed 4 security officers who ask all the vendors to get down of the train once the train starts.  Before the robbery the train used to stop at Kengeri,Bidadi,Hejjala,Ramnagar and was reaching mysore by 12.30.  After the deployment of security people it reaches mysore by 11.45 how come ? Because the security people have instructed that the train should move in time so that these security personnels will have to be deployed for other services. What a pity.  We see so many RPF personnel strolling all over the station making money from tea vendors fruit vendors.  Are they not capable of handling these issues. A small request to the security people.  Please see that your revolvers fire properly and they have bullets in them.

When we were in school and colleges or even in our professional career now, we are asked the reason for our delay to join the duty.  There will be at the max one or two excuses.  Is anyone not surprised to see that the train is delayed everyday.  Just because it is run by the Government can it come and go at any time like the government officials in government office. Even from the facts i learned from the loco driver is that there is unwritten order from the railway department to delay the train by driving it slow. Because this was the loco pilot who was driving the vehicle before time to Bangalore that is 6.30 in the morning before april 13.

How come the locomotive driver need to horn and wake up the station crew to get the green signal when this is the only loco moving on the track at that time. 

How could the train get delayed as soon as the vacation started.   It looks like the railway people want to show the natures beauty to the passengers.  Sir, let me clear to you the people who move on this train are seriously workholic and not time passers. 

Still there are many more points.  Write them after hearing your comments.

harsha's picture

communists are for closing

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Please dont involve the communists into this.  If its Sitaram Yachury as a human being you can definetly contact him.  But not as a communist member of parliament.  They have taken the union government for a ride and contributing to the price rise and blaming the government for the same. Since their inception they have done only the closure of units.  Take the universal example of NGEF Bangalore.
anusha_singh's picture

The time is ticking out

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Time Is Ticking Out"

We'd better think about the things we say
We'd better think about the games we play
The world went round, around and round

We'd better think about the consequences
We'd better think about the global senses
The time went out, the time went out

What about Chernobyl?
What about radiation?
We don't know, we don't know

What about deprivation?
Gluttony, the human nation?
We don't know, we don't know
For me love is all, for me love is all
For me love is all, for me love is all

Time is ticking out

Looks like we screwed up the ozone layer
I wonder if the politicians care
And time went out, and time went out

What about our children then?
Is there nothing left for them?
We don't know, we don't know
For me love is all, for me love is all
For me love is all, for me love is all
Ahh they need oxygen, ahh they need oxygen
For me love is all, for me love is all
For me love is all, for me love is all

Time is ticking out yeah
The time is ticking out
 

[courtesy : CRANBERRIES LYRICS]
 

Anusha 

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narayan82's picture

spread the word...

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Firstly we MUST wait for confirmation of the same from the rwailways before moving forward...We can keep our actions planned. I feel we should get all citizen intiatives/agencies involved and fight together. So CAF and Janaagraha and everyone else who can help. BICCI? Then we can together file PILs etc, which will then have greater strenght.
Narayan Gopalan
User Interaction Designer
Bangalore
Vasanth's picture

Some Practical Problems - Landsliding during monsoon

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Hi All,

Railways must be worried about how the track conditions will be during monsoon and may be worried about the land sliding since this is the first monsoon after the BG inaguration on this route.

As I said earlier that MG or NG trains are well suited for hilly areas and they were specifically developed for that. Unigauge project which changed the line to BG resulted in loss of train service for almost 12 years and now the train is running with full of uncertainities.

During MG line, only one engine used to haul the train even in the ghat sections and was moving along without any worries of landsliding for many years. Now, BG train has to be hauled by 3 engines.

It would have been nice that they should have retained MG line only here with frequent trains between Hassan and Mangalore with connecting train provided to all other cities from Hassan.

Now, railways has to go in with lighter rails to avoid land sliding atleast during monsoon or permanently. Light trains are built of steel compartments. Even the sleeper coaches are more heavy than normal coaches. A light train with semi sleeper bus like coach something of the sort of delhi metro may be the answer to avoid the land sliding during monsoon. Light train coaches are something like Delhi metro coaches. In Switzerland they use light trains along hilly areas.

Railways can even think of handing it over to Konkan railways. They can improve the existing track or they can do a new survey between Sakleshpur and Subramanya and can lay new tracks like they have done in Konkan railways which is a wonder. Until then existing track should not be disturbed. New track should be built parallely.

This line during monsoon may not be practical for goods trains. It is better to have goods running from some other lines during monsoon.

harsha's picture

Good suggestion but waste

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Mr vasanth has given a good suggestion.  But let me tell you there is no scitific approach with the Indian railways.  They have been receiving a lot of complaints about the delay.  But neither did they give attention nor did they try to improve anything.  Let me tell you, Konkan railway is so fast that every year there is landslide and within a day or two the train resumes its service. This is because they have scitific approach and the most of the trains plying on that route come from kerala.  Do you know one fact that total 12 trains move out of mangalore city junction where as from mangalore central 67 trains move without entering mangalore central.  The people of mangalore have sacrificed a lot.  Now even they are tired.  They get down at mangalore junction and come to mangalore city pay a sum of 200 for the auto. So like anusha told Time is ticking.  Lets not wait till the order is passed on 30th of May 2008.
Vasanth's picture

Safer Permanent Solution Needed

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Instead of having many uncertainities and the question of safety always, it is better to redesign the route, with different type of coaches which can give a permanent solution. Better to be safe than sorry.
anusha_singh's picture

deviation

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It looks like we are deviating away from the problem to restructuring of the route.  First lets see how we can retain this route then think of constructing one more route with scietific approach. 

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anusha_singh's picture

The pathetic story of a lethargic public, easy-going ..READ MORE

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The pathetic story of a lethargic public, easy-going and good-for-nothing elected representatives and unscrupulous business lobbies... 

 Air and rail have always been the two basic modes of transport for decades, why, they can even be termed basic rights. And these, ironically, are the facilities, which the people of Mangalore have to fight for at various stages.

First it was the international flight to Mangalore. There were several promises and an umpteen number of deadlines. However, finally, the untiring efforts by activists and 'blessings' of ministers ensured that the dream was realized. The Dubai–mangalore flight landed and it paved the way for flights from other stations.

The other need is the railway line for several years. There have been vociferous pleas from regular commuters for several years for the resumption of Mangalore-Bangalore passenger service, which was discontinued over ten years ago. Over the past three months, about a dozen dates were announced but all of them got promptly 'derailed'.

Whose lobby is behind it and who has to suffer because of it?

Are our so-called ministers and elected representatives sleeping

The railway track between Sakleshpur and Mangalore is ready in broad-gauge format now, say officials. But why hasn't the passenger service been resumed, although goods trains, much bigger and heavier than passenger trains, are running without any problems? There seems to be no answer.

Mangalore has the maximum connectivity facilities than any other district headquarters in the state. It is one of only few cities connected by air, rail, water and road transport. The city has an international airport as well as a modern, all-weather port. But, paradoxically, it lacks a good transportation facility with the state capital.

The national highway 48, which connects Mangalore and Bangalore, is never free from lunar crater-like potholes. The Shiradi ghat stretch on this highway is a virtual nightmare for vehicle drivers. On the other hand, not a day passes without accidents taking place on this part of the road.

Sadashiva, earlier assistant road transport officer (ARTO) of Puttur sub division, had identified 13 dangerous spots in the National Highway 48 under his jurisdiction. 

He had also written to the National Highway authorities to take some steps to prevent accidents. But no step has been taken by the National Highway authorities.

The bullet tankers carrying gas and the lorries carrying timber and iron have worsened the condition of the road and proved hazardous to other vehicles plying on this highway.

But one can't take recourse to relief by travelling by train, for the simple reason that the railway route between Bangalore and Mangalore has not yet been re-introduced.
 
The rails between Mangalore and Sakleshpur were dismantled in 1996 for the purpose of conversion to broad-gauge. Interestingly, the rails were not laid aside for re-assembly, but they mysteriously vanished from the tracks, lock, stock and barrel.

It was being said in reliable circles that the rails had been taken away to Hassan, an adjoining district, which has powerful, go-getter politicians, whereas Dakshina Kannada has to be content with politicians and elected representatives who are only specialized in raising petty issues and diverting people's attention away from burning social issues and dire necessities.

Owing to the apathy and lack of political will of the people's representatives here, the work was unnecessarily delayed for a long time. On the other hand, carrying out work on the Ghat section between Sakleshpur and Subrahmanya was the biggest challenge for the contractors. On the one side it is a dense forest. On the other, the workers who were engaged there showed reluctance to work on long schedules, owing to heavy rain and exposure to diseases and wild animals, say the officials.

The ultimate challenge that the railway department had was to get a green signal from the Railway Safety Commission which comes under the union civil aviation ministry. But there were hurdles. The tracks between Subrahmanya and Sakleshpur, particularly at a point called Shiribagilu, are being regarded as unsafe for passenger trains, especially during the rainy seasons. As if to prove the point and to make matters worse, a railway engine and few wagons of a goods train got derailed and fell into a gorge a few months ago. 

But the technical staff here says that such incidents here took place not because of the track problem, but because of the human errors on the part of the train motor men. According to them, the track here is absolutely safe.  

 

Already the track sustains the load of goods trains which are about 5 times heavier than passenger trains. Trains with 60 wagons and 5 engines are plying on this track every day. But the passenger train would have a maximum of only 18 wagons.

On the other hand, the Railway Safety Commission has given a green signal for resuming passenger trains on the route. Now the only question is, why our people representatives are not keen on demanding resumption of the passenger train.

The railway officers here directly blame the the private bus-owners' lobby as one of the main reasons for this delay. If the passenger trains to Bangalore begin operating, the bus-owners who run their buses to Bangalore would suffer a heavy, back-breaking loss.

It is an open secret that most of these 'luxury' buses are owned by politicians and big-time business interests. The train fare between Mangalore and Bangalore could be less than Rs 100 whereas passengers are shelling out Rs 300 on an average on bus journey. Isn't it natural that strings are being pulled to ensure the delay in resumption of train service?

Because of these lobbies, the common man's dream to travel by train has not come true for over 11 years. He has only to curse his fate and writhe his fists in despair.

The public only vents its anger by expressing its arm-chair opinions in the media, expecting someone else to do the job, and does nothing beyond that.

The 'intelligent' people of the district are resigned to their fate and live for the day.

Who is to blame? We get the leaders we deserve, don't we?

Courtesy : http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=33790&n_tit=Mangalore%3A+Passenger+Train+to+Bangalore+Still+a+Mirage

Anusha 

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narayan82's picture

Very true, couldnt agree any

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Very true, couldnt agree any more... Also I have noticed that Bus is not always the most convenient. For senior citizens and families with small children trains are much more convenient. The stress of braking and accellerating, having to be in a seated position, and the constant noise levels make bus very tiring. Also access to restrooms, and more space is why people prefer trains. After all, Trains are the most nostalgic part of an Indian childhood - dont you remember those days as the scenery whizzed by?...You cant deny people that!
Narayan Gopalan
User Interaction Designer
Bangalore

Nellore port's effects on Shiradi Ghat

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The construction of the Nellore port on the coromandel coast would facilitate the transfer of iron ore from Bellary to China via this port. Infact, Janardhana Reddy, one of the top miners of Bellary is a close business associate of Dr Y S Rajashekar Reddy's (AP CM) son.

In a few years, pressure on Shiradi Ghat which serves as the route for moving iron ore from Bellary via NMPT - Mangalore Port - should be relieved.

narayan82's picture

Nellore (better)

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logically if its going to China Nellore should be a better option - saves miles in shipping! Back to the point - I belive the only way to stop this from being stopped would be - Pressure!! If we all raised our voices I am sure they can't ignore. A survey by an independant authority might help.
Narayan Gopalan
User Interaction Designer
Bangalore
anusha_singh's picture

Sure

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WE need to raise our voice against the attrocities. 

By the way, I want to know how many of the people have really travelled on this train and experienced the journey.

Anusha 

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harsha's picture

I am a regular commuter

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I travel regulary on this train since its inception. I goto Mangalore on Friday night and return back on Sunday. In the initial stages the train reached Bangalore at 6.15 to 6.45 and to Mangalore at 8.20 to 9.00.  But after April 13 all the drama started and now you dont ask the time.  But one thing for sure you will be safe in the train.  And not like in the bus stranded some where in the forest without water food and shelter.
harsha's picture

What is our move ?

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I think after the publishing of the comments on this portal the railways have started booking the tickets.  May be they are afraid that the agitation may be violent and they want to postpone it till next union elections.  However can anyone say that what will be our next move ?

 

blrsri's picture

2 more trains?

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"Mangalore, May 14: Former chief minister and chairman for union administrative commission chairman M Veerappa Moily said that two more day trains between the city and Bangalore will be introduced in a month's time.

'Shatabdi Express and a super fast train will be introduced between Mangalore and Bangalore within one month,' he said while speaking to media persons here on Tuesday May 13."

Read this Daijiworld link

election gimmick?

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2nd phase election gimmick. But with all due credit, Mr Moily indeed has done something tangible in the past. After a lot of pressure, he did play some role in reviving the train to Mangalore after it was nearly killed by the bus lobby.

It is indeed that

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2nd Phase elections are going to be held today (i.e May 16th) in Dakshina Kannada district and Veerappa Moily wants this to be his promise if he or the Congress is elected.

But it remains to be seen if it can be pushed through irrespective of what the political outcome is going to be this time.

silkboard's picture

How come EC is silent?

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Mr Moily announced two new trains while the elections are on, and EC is silent? How come? I would expect some thing EC in a day or two.

However,  this should remind us that train cancelation thing is "unconfirmed", and more of a rumor. I have emailed SWR PR officer twice, have called PRO's number (in Hubli) at least 5 times. No reply to email, and phone just rings, no pick up. Perhaps SWR PR department follows late Narasimha Rao's style - no word is best word, or rather, no PR is best PR.

harsha's picture

Its not any politician but the public

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I absolutely deny the fact that Mr Moily had any role in making the mangalore bangalore train plying.  Its all the efforts of the suffering general public.  Even i was a member in protesting in Sakleshpur when the goods train filled with loads of iron ore was emptied on the tracks.  And when these people felt that the water was going above head level they had no other go than to allow the train to move.  And one more astonishing fact that we kannadigas have forgotten is all the goods with material to foreign country travell via arasikere whereas poor indian passenger moves via mysore.  So in this forum we will never take any politicians name as if he has done some contribution to the mng - bng train.  We should really thank the karanata rakshana vedike people who joined their hands in our fight in sakleshpur.  We were trying to stop all the goods train for two days.  Only after that this issue was settled.  In between a small petty politician in Mangalore went on hunger strike after hearing the news that the train would commence on December.  He was sitting on strike on november 30 when the order was passed.  Bloody politicians want to take chance of all possible opportunities.

These MLA's and MP's have their quota of seats in KSRTC which they sell for premium amount to the travellers.  Did they ever travel in the bus route at least once to experience the horror experience of bus journey.  Forget it, Mr moily did he ever book a forward journey ticket from bangalore to anywhere to india. Then he would have understood the mental tension of the people when the train is delayed.

These people want to fly all the time not crawl.

anusha_singh's picture

well done harsha

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Harsha was right in saying that the politicians want more and more facility once they get elected.  I with my seven year old child was stranded on the Shiradi Ghat for seven hours without  food and no amneties.  Did ever any politicians had the pinch of mangalore bangalore bus journey ?

The articles were published in the dailies on front page.  But no one had given attention.  And even the decision to repair the ghat section was ordered only after the trains started.  This too because the bus lobby was afraid that the people may completely forget the bus journey to Bangalore and mangalore like they had forgotten the train journey between these two stations.

All the politicians try to grab all the possible opportunities may it be the death or  tragedy of a common indian citize.  We are all goats following the shephard.  

 

Anusha 

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shridhar's picture

mr politician

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mr politician could you please tell when will you ply the two more trains to mangalore bangalore.  Only if you win ?  Then forget it.  We dont get it.  When you had the power you have not done anything.  That is the reason people out(vote)casted you. 

How much you people have contributed to Karnataka ? forget whole of karnataka what is your contribution to Dakshina kannada ? forget dakshina kannada what is the contribution to your own constituency ? forget constituency  what is ................. here you will definetly have the answer.  you must be knowing my next question.

Let me tell you one thing.  We are not fools. We are satisfied with what we earn.  And we blindly pay all the taxes and burdens put on us by the governement.  To be honest we wanted a Government with prime minister like Vajpayee and president like abdul kalam azad and chief minister like narendra modi.  Dont think i am pro bjp but i feel really pity that being in karnataka i have to praise the people outside karnataka only with one notion that i am an indian and they too are indian.  I dont know why i dont get that feeling with you.

 

 

 

Vasanth's picture

Moily Driving the Train

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No point in running Shatabdhi from Bangalore-Mangalore. It will not serve common man and a regular Mangalore-Bangalore passengers. Compartments will also be less. Also Shatabdhis are all fast trains with 1 day to and fro journey. With the current route and track conditions, it is not a wise decision to have shatabdi.

Instead of that, they should run intercity express like the Hubli-Bangalore intercity which will serve all class of people. 

 

silkboard's picture

Bus lobby and all

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There is one thing I dont understand about this talk of bus lobby etc. If that lobby is indeed so powerful that they can get SWR to kill the train (as is being speculated here), then why would they not try to use their 'connections' to keep the highway in top shape!? After all its their buses that bear the brunt of bad roads, and extra fuel (due to slow speed, and multiple diversions).

Either this talk of bus lobby is an overkill, or this 'lobby' has misplaced priorities. A 4/6 lane top class highway to Mangalore will make bus journies smoother and perhaps faster than the train (end to end time), and I hear the passenger volumes are big enough to sustain the train as well as the buses.

Vasanth's picture

Bang on Point SB

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You are right SB. I don't think so. If there would have been bus lobby, existing highway would have been improved to make their buses run smoothly and quickly.

This highway needs to be improved and converted into 4 lane road as well as some sharp curves needs to be eliminated.  This will end the cry of the people of these places.

SWR is having its own problems and this has been related to bus lobby. Even now buses to Mangalore are running via Mysore and Madikeri, but still demand is more for train.

anusha_singh's picture

it is the busy lobby

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Hi sb.  Let me brief how it is the bus lobby that is effecting the roads.  Did you ever travel on the bus on the shiradi ghat. You should see the way the checkers of the private bus controlling whole of the traffic.  They do not have speed governors for their buses.  So after collecting the people from all nook and corner they leave mangalore at 11.30 and start going at rocket speed.  But they are blocked because of blockades on the Ghat section.  Then their people will get down the bus and move in such a way as if the road belongs to them.  And they have their people planted in the ghat section who come immediately to get the jammed traffic cleard out.  These people are not bothered about  the roads because these are not the only commuters.  Even the KSRTC buses ply over that.  And more over the buses are under loan from the bank so they are least bothered.  So it is like out of 100 employees if 60 people are on strike they will be treated as bad if the strike fails.  But if succeeded all 100 will be benifited.   I hope you will get my point.  I am not against the buses.  But i am strictly supporting the train movement in karnataka.  Why cant we have trains from mangalore to all corners of Mangalore via hassan ?

 

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anusha_singh's picture

hi all

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Hi all

here is a link wherein we all can give complaints online. Please lodge your complaint against the delay of the trains.

http://pgportal.gov.in/ 

and select the ministy railway and lodge your complaint giving 6517 (bangalore) and 6518(mangalore) and see that their complaint box is filled up with our complaints.

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prasadys's picture

Regarding Mr. Moily's statement

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It's a big blunder that Mr. Moily has told the introduction of new trains. This is just to beg the votes...

Instead of looking to commence new trains, they should think of maintaining the punctual timings for the existing train...

narayan82's picture

Mr Moily...Contd

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We you see if they do introduce new train, puctuality should increase - or atleast it can be taken up with a person with some interest. If he does come to power, it is I am guessing one step closer to getting past the lobby.
Narayan Gopalan
User Interaction Designer
Bangalore
ssheragu's picture

Mangalore - Bangalore

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Mangalore - Bangalore Train

I have not travelled in this route so I cannot comment much about this

My only suggestion is (8 lane) wide concrete roads can be laid with no signal lights or traffic junctions but with suitable underapsses for U turns and other side turns.

This concrete road should not have steep bends (WHICH GIVES A FEELING OF GHAT SECTION) but smooth bends like in USA & Canada.

However I am not against the rail line.

Ths way the tourist potential of the area can be exploited.

Srinath Heragu

namtatha's picture

Where is mr moily after elections

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Has anyone seen mr moily or his people after "granting" new railway lines to the people of Karnataka.  Does he know what sort of engines used for Shatabdi express. If the shatabdi engines are connected to the existing bogies of 6517 and 6518 the engine when takes to the max speed, rest of the bogies would remain at maddur where as the engine would have already reached mandya. Bhesh Moily hats off.  I hope you promised only the Shatabdi engine.  Like buying a helmet this year and bike after five years to compensate the deficit.

 

Shiradi Ghat to re-open by month end

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http://www.hindu.com/2008...

I wonder what the Bus Lobby would do after this? The Iron ore mafia is trying to get the Bangalore-Mangalore train converted into a freight train and is be actively supported by the bus lobby.

Thanks to websites like Praja, we are able to keep the campaign for train services alive.

But we must keep watch after Shiradi Ghat reopens. 

Vehicles to be allowed on Shiradi Ghat

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http://www.hindu.com/2008...

lsuresh's picture

Passenger train waits for Goods train to pass thru!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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I am a regular travellar in the Mangalore train.During it's initial days it was reaching Puttur at 6:30 in the morning.Now it reaches at 8:00 A.M most of the days,sometimes even at 12:00 noon. During return tour it reacehs Bangalore by 7:00 But off late after 10:00 A.M. Before it was converted to boradgauge it used to leave Bangalore at 8:00 P.M and reach Puttur at 8:00 A.M.

If that is the case waht is the point in converting it to boradgauge? Mr.Lalu is intrested in profits only. He wants to give top priority to goods trains.Have you ever heard about a passanger train waiting for the Goods train to pass thru.That is what happening here.As told by an train driver who want to remain annoymous,in Hassan the train waits for the goods train to pass thru.If the Govt also acts like a private business house,where is the common man stands? I think we need to protest against this. It is a well planned conspiracy to cancel the train, OR they are creating reasons against Day train. Please come together to protest this.BTW what was the need to go to Mysore? Already there are many trains to Mysore.

shridhar's picture

It happens only in india

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I  had been to Germany three years back and once the train was late by two minutes (mind it not hours).  And the news had hit headlines and an enquiry wasn held and report was made public by next day morning in news papers.  Really even we can hit headlines if the trains reach scheduled time.  By the way, we can be given 50% of any awards because our trains start in scheduled time making the error percentage of promptness to 50%.  At least the passengers will be verrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry happy that the train has started in time.
narayan82's picture

No news!

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Been reading up papers/web articles dont seem to have any news on the termination of the train. Maybe we can take up a case of not functioning properly. Before all pax loose interest in the train - which isthier ultimatum!
Narayan Gopalan
User Interaction Designer
Bangalore
anusha_singh's picture

lets do something

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These politicians are slow moving pythons. [...deleted...] We the people who write blogs are really mild people. Even for heart attach we presume it to be chest pain. So lets decide what could be done at the earliest to see that the train moves regularly on this route.

Anusha

always active

Anusha 

always active

admin's picture

Activism

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Anusha, first of all, please be watchful about your words. Emotions are one thing, sharp language with unsubstantiated allegations can be avoided and discouraged. Now about doing something - that will be just great!! Start a new thread calling for help in working with SWR on this. May I suggest that first step be to file an RTI with following questions - Average time record of YPR-MAQ train over last two months - Same for another train that uses this western ghat line - Number of robberies reported on YPR-MAQ in last two months - Status of Railway Police inquiry into those incidents - Ridership numbers on YPR-MAQ over last two months Basically ask things that can have numeric and precise answers. A simple RTI application like this will get us moving. Also, remember that "Praja.in" is the platform where by way of expressing your civic interests and knowledge, you "recruit" like minded folks, and inspire each other to do more than blogs. Its not a group where "others" will do things for "you". I am sure we have a few folks in here who have some SWR official/engineer as neighbor or relative. Please pitch in and help.
tinku's picture

Train is on

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Train is still ON Smile but not sure for how long. They are trying hard to keep people away from train. I travelled to mangalore on friday and returned today morning Foot in mouth i mean after noon Cry

- Bogies attached to the train were really old. New ones seem to have disappered. Surprised If you have a upper berth it is difficult to go up. Yell

-Toilets were not cleaned. I could not sleep because of the stink. Horrible. Over that the train got delayed more than 3 hrs by so had bear that smell more.Sealed

- So many cockroaches were flying around. they all looked well fed Laughing

- Laste arrival [which is common now a days] was targeted for office goers so that dont try to travel by train anymore Wink After all buses would take you on time Tongue out

 

Would like to hear other funny experience SmileWinkCool

Gautamrao's picture

Public Grievance Redressal Mechanism

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I have never travelled by the Bangalore-Mangalore train. But I can visualise what you guys are saying.

Your link to the public grievances department of the Govt. of India is very good. I also want to inform you that I had filed a RTI application asking for some information and in that I had also asked for information about grievance redressal mechanism in the SWR zone.

This is what they replied and I quote:
"Public grievance redressal machinery is working under The Director, Public Grievances, who is also the Additional General Manager and is assisted by a Deputy Director, Public grievances at the zonal head quarters level.

At divisional level, this is functioning under the control of the respective Additional Divisional Railways Managers.

Complaint books are available at all Railway stations, out agencies, town offices, major Goods Sheds, Parcel Offices, Enquiry/ Reservation counters/ offices. In addition, complaint books are available in pantry cars, with attendents of 1st class and air conditioned coaches etc.

Passengers having grievances or suggestions can record their complaints in these books or directly write to the above-mentioned officials.

The details as to the addresses of Public Grievances Redressal Officials are made available in the public time tables brought out by the Railways."
This was signed by the Additional Divisional Railway Manager, Divisional Office, Commercial Branch, Bangalore. (Dated: 07/03/2008)

Please do try out these options. It is better to write to the railway officials and marking a copy to the secretary, railways and the Chairman, Railway board.

 

 

Gautamrao's picture

Has anybody proceeded with your suggestion?

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Just wanted to know if anyone has already filed the RTI? If you are filing it in Bangalore, you will have to do it in the Divisional Office, Commercial Branch which is housed in the building next to the Bangalore city railway station. The telephone numbers that the officials gave me when I filed a RTI application on 15/02/2008 were: 080 - 22204605, 080 - 22875260. This is just for the convenience of those who wish to file a RTI application or those who want to locate the office.
tsubba's picture

thanks sir

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thanks gautam rao sir for sharing all this info.
prasadys's picture

Train number changed to 1515 !!!

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Hello, I traveled today by train # 6518 from Mangalore (1st Jun 7:45PM) to Bangalore city. The tain reached Bangalore city at 11 AM on 2nd Jun. Hence total journey is a whopping 15 hrs 15 mins duration. Hence the name of the train is changed to 1515.

The train stopped 1 km before Subrahmanya road station as the driver was feeling dozzyYell The train stopped at Subrahmanya road station nearly an hour as the Station Master (SM) was feeling sleepy Surprised& could not wave green flag off. The train reached Ramanagaram station at 8.30 AM and stopeed for half an hour !!!  Then came Chamundi exp from Mysore towards Bangalore. The SM let the Chamundi exp go even though our train came first. We became furious and went & blasted SM and registered a complaint with the signature of nearly 100 passengers. Finally the train started at 10 AM from Ramanagaram and reached Bangalore city at 11 AM without any stop... even at Binny Mills !!!

 This is an unforgettable journey for me in train # 1515.

anusha_singh's picture

Still the same

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Hi All,

As i was in US for 10 days I could not concentrate on the forum topic.  After returning I found its all again the same, of course it was still worse.  The train on June second reached Bangalore by 11.  Around 200 passengers had to lodge the complaint in the Ramanagaram railway station(EX CM KUMARASWAMY please note you can take it as next election agenda).  This showed that still hot blood floats in the Kannadigas.  But the station master could not understand anything as he was a malayali.  I am not discriminating the people with their languages.  When we can not understand each other as Indians then at least we should understand each other by language.  To be honest i am a Punajbi but a true Kannadiga as i live here for the past 4 years with my husband who is a kannadiga and staying here for the past 8 years.   Please dont feel bad that in my earlier comment i had to use harsh words.  That has nothing do with personalisation or  criticising political leaders.  But we have forgotten our rights and the politicians their duties.  When they want vote they come to us.  After the elections do you thing we dont have any control over them till next 5 years ?  No never.  That is the reason we should use Praja like forums to make them understand their responsibiliteis.  When they can discriminate the people in respect of caste, creed, language etc why cant we hold them directly responsible for our problems. Kindly take note how many people have gone to the office on June 2nd who have travelled by train 6518? I could have compared USA with India.  No I am still a true Indian and want to be a proud Indian so that I can compare India with USA and say I am proud of India. 

Anusha 

always active

Anusha 

always active

Vasanth's picture

Railways SWR is always like 1515

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It is not just for Mangalore train which railways delay. Even Bangalore Mysore trains too are all delayed. I have been telling a lot and posting it on Mysore praja site.

Bangalore-Mysore journey is 3 hours in normal buses and in Volvos and cars it is 2 hrs. In train, it takes mammoth 3hrs 30 minutes+ and even more sometimes in an express and non-stop takes nearly 3 hours. Non-stop train is capable of 2 hrs 15 mins travel, Express 2hrs 45 mins and Passenger trains itself at 3hrs 15 mins. But, it is not run that way.  Weaker section of the society do not have alternative and are still patronizing the services.

Earlier, when Karnataka was under SR, this was the timings followed and timings was almost on dot. I used to travel every week and the timings were maintained, and it was always earlier than mentioned in the railway timings. I can't say bus lobby for this since KSRTC is the operator between Bangalore-Mysore and they are not so keen on lobbying. This delay is mainly due to increased number of compartments from 14 to 19-20, which is ofcourse needed to ferry more passengers, but will slow down the train. Earlier, during SR days, there was a restriction on the number of compartments for any section which enabled faster travel. Solution is to have 2 faster trains one after the other with ideal number of compartments rather than having 1 slow moving train. I remember travelling between Bangalore to Mysore in 1 hr 45 minutes during the initial run of the railways that too from station to station. Now Volvos can make the travel 2 hrs from Nayandahalli to Mysore. Compare the ticket price of Volvo of 200 rupees with 45 rupees of train and covering the distance in the same time. Railways is least bothered to run trains in that manner.

Ease in which people people can travel by Bus to Mysore is very much high. No need to stand in long queues of railway station, sit, in the bus, conductor will issue the ticket. No need to be in a hurry to get the train, anytime go to bus stand, bus is available.  This feature of buses itself is the lobbying factor.

 Railways is least bothered since it is getting its money since people are there to use it irrespective of the delays. This is what I give, if you want to take it, take it or leave it - Attitude of railways.

Nags123's picture

Bus mafia controls train timings

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Hi,

 

[deleted {Admin} - please avoid short and loose talk. Without any supporting arguments and reasons, we all can say many such things]

rgds

shridhar's picture

Its the mafia right but not just bus mafia

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I agree its the bus mafia that controls the mangalore bangalore train(this is universal but i am giving more importance to the train 6517 & 6518).

Here is the percentage share for delay :

Bus Mafia - 63%

Hotel Mafia - 10%(This is in subramanya. You can read one of the comments in this blog)

Laziness  - 7%

Our ignorance - 10%

Let it go attitude - 9%

Other - 1%

Let me analyse each and evey point.  If the train doesnt reach in time people can not cancel their journey.  They have to go by some other alternative means.  Common railway passenger can not go by hired taxi. So he prefers Bus. So major share is Bus maifa.

Hotel Mafia in subramanya has made it delay the train at least by one hour.  Becuase the first pooja will be at 6 and the train reaches only after 6.30 if it is in time But the schedule time which is published in the internet is 5.35.  So that the people have to stay in some hotel where the costs have increased now a days by 200% compared to 6 months earlier fare.  The the "Bhats" of the temple insist on staying in some hotel and attend the first pooja the next day.  About their nexus with hoteliers is not mentioned here.

Any one who had travelled on mangalore bangalore train will see an astonishing fact that the train stops outside the station and rings a call bell to get in and only the green signal is given for it to enter.  Sometimes it had taken 20 minutes.  And we watch the staff standing wiping his eyes.  Of course they should be knowing the train would be coming at certain time.  I dont know whether they too are not aware that this train will come.

Our ignorance is also one of the factor that has made the train get delayed.  If we were to go by KSRTC bus we would definetly ask the driver or conductor what whould be the reaching time.  And would be quite sure that we will reach the destination in time.  If not we take him into task if it reaches after considerable abnormal time.Here the TT's will be busy in making money in cancelled tickets and puts blame on the department and giggles along with us scolding the government.  Have we taken him to any station where the train has not reached in time or halted for more than the specified time.  According to the time sheet provided by the department the train will not halt for more than 3 to 5 minutes in any of the stations en route mangalore bangalore journey.  But it halts at least one hour in hassan 45 minutes in mysore.  If you add up these timings that is the reason for the delay and add this total to the last destination time mentioned in the time sheet, that will be the reaching time. This has been prepared after my travel on this train regularly.

Let it go attitude is the one which swings our analysis.  People from colleges,groups, families come on train and chat in loud voice disturbing other people.  But these people just want to rejoice and will not be part of any of the agitations done by the suffered passengers.  Ramnagar incident is the best example.  There were some ten groups of 200 people who had done mass booking but they were very active in talking enjoying etc.  No objection for that until they are in limit.  But neither a single passenger from their group turned up to the SMs cabin when we were on strike.  This is one example  And even the people also forget their tension after they get down the train.  They make alternative arrangement.  Then what is the meaning of "RAILWAY PROPERTY IS YOUR PROPERTY MAKE BEST USE OF IT" slogan in the railway stations and railway compartments.

Other reasons being "why do you want to invoilve?", "who will follow it up later?"

In total we are the sufferers and let everybody thik that it is his personal problem and see that this train will survive and run in time and see that this blog will have comments only praising 6517/6518 train. 

 

 

Vasanth's picture

We followed up and it is in vague

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I have written 'n' number of emails to SWR, without any response. I did the samething to BMTC, and we had response and action was also taken on that front requesting the Volvo buses on Bannerghatta Road. Within 1 week of my email, I saw V365 plying on Bannerghatta Road, and the bus is almost always full.

Followups with railways is not working - It is a simple way to put. There is a website started by Indian railways for taking suggestions and the discussions over there go anywhere by exchange of absurd words etc.

 

Vasanth's picture

Shiradi Ghat is now open for traffic

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Mangalore-Bangalore travellers can now breath easy since Shiradi Ghat is open for traffic - A delightful news for the bus operators Sugama,Durgamba,Vishal, Ideal and MRL who had lost their business due to long travel via Mysore-Madikeri and people favouring train.

There are 2 curves which are still not done as mentioned in todays TOI. Again those gas trucks ready to spoil the newly done road!!

tsubba's picture

alternative railway routes in Dakshina Kannada

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Study proposes alternative railway routes in Dakshina Kannada Govind D. Belgaumkar http://www.hindu.com/2008... To provide better inter-State rail connectivity, the Railways has proposed a new line connecting Kaniyoor (located between Puttur and Subrahmanya Road) in Dakshina Kannada and Kanhangad on the Northern Kerala coast, located between Kasaragod and Kannur. This is part of the bigger project to connect Kanhangad to K.R. Nagar via Sullia, Madikeri and Kushalnagar. From K.R. Nagar there is an existing line up to Mysore. If implemented, this will emerge as an alternative line for people in Kerala to reach important cities in Karnataka such as Mysore and Bangalore avoiding Mangalore. The people in Puttur have been demanding a shift in the alignment of the proposed line so that Kanhangad is connected to Puttur instead of Kaniyoor. They have been arguing that Puttur is a commercially important town in the region. Kaniyoor, 25 km away from Puttur, is a small village with little or no commercial activity. The new line, as per the original plan, creates a triangular movement between Kaniyoor, Mangalore and Kanhangad with Sullia and Puttur being part of it. Puttur-based Nagarika Vedike president Usman Haji and its activist Mahesh Kaje have demanded a change in the alignment. They have said that connecting the new line to Puttur would benefit the entire region. A study conducted by the Puttur-based Vivekananda College of Engineering and Technology too has suggested this. The study considered four alignments between Kanhangad and Puttur, including the one proposed by the Railways, with their lengths ranging from 71 km to 103 km. It has recommended aligning the new line from Kanhangad to Puttur via Chullikara, Mullerina and Adianadka, instead of the line going straight to Kaniyoor via Sullia. It would benefit the people of other remote villages such as Kuttikol, Bannarkaya, Balakkaadkathodi, Natekal, Yethadka, Perla, Vittal and Kabaka. Though this was the longest route, it would cover areas where road transportation is poor, it said. The Sullia route, on the other hand, would pass though the Parappa reserved Forest which was a biodiversity hotspot, the report said. A team of lecturers and students, led by the college principal B.N. Shanthapriya, conducted the study. Its members were the head of the Department of Civil Engineering Ganesh Mogaveer, lecturers Ajith Hebbar and Umesh Chandra and students Suryanarayana and Deepak M.
anusha_singh's picture

A good news

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Hi All,

Its really a good news. Now already Mangalore Central is going away from the maps of Railways and once this route takes place and which surely will take place before the scheduled time as it has all keralites joining hands then you hardly find Mangalore Central in the railway map.  Now already 48 trains are moving from mangalore junction avoiding Mangalore central.  Once this route starts functioning we may have to forgo the Mangalore central and even there is no wonder the Mangalore Bangalore train will ply directly to Kerala via Puttur (prosposed route). Then we may have to catch a train back to mangalore from kanhangad and get down at Mangalore Junction not Central. 

Anusha 

always active

Anusha 

always active

shridhar's picture

why the department is hesitant

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Arsikere Junction Railway Station, also spelt as Arasikere Junction Railway Station, is managed by the South Western Railways. It is on the Shimoga-Bangalore rail route. The main train connections include Siddhaganga Express, Bangalore-Hubli Jan Shatabdi Express, Chalukya Express, Bangalore-Shimoga Express, Rani Chennamma Express, Bangalore-Ajmer Express and Vasco da Gama-Chennai Express.

To the south of Arasikere is Hassan Railway Station, the station next to the junction. Going north-west, Kadur Railway Station is the nearest major station.

The town of Hassan is 40 km away. I dont understand why the South Western Railway is hesitant to let the 6517 and 6518 train to ply over this route so that the people can save 2 hours 30 minutes of valuable time.  Anybody to bell the cat?

anusha_singh's picture

A scene every indian should see

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When we all talk about delay and punctuality of 6517 and 6518 train, there is one more watchable thing on this train.  When the train moves from Bng to Mng it will be escroted by around 26 police personnel with a minimum of 2 each in a compartment.  And these officials haras the food vendors in such a way the food vendors dont board the train at all.  Even if they come these police people will take two to three items from them for example dosa, pulav etc.  Once I happened to enquire one of the vendor and what he told is my boss has agreed to give two items to the police.  these police officicals will be given the bata for their expenses then why are they reluctant in making the payment ?

It is really ridiculous that we are screwed by our own people. 

Anusha 

always active

Anusha 

always active

namtatha's picture

Shame on indian police

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Even i had seen the same scene in the Mangalore Bangalore train.  The police behave like robbers.  The night patrol police acting like daytime robbers is really shameful on indian police department.  Last week I had seen a lady constable too who was with them acting oversmart with these food vendors. It was a replica of the movie or tv channel soap opera where you see a police with front belly unable to walk taking bribe.

At least we should culitvate a proper culture by ourselves. Or else we are equal to the robbers who stole jewellery showing the long and macchu.  

 

tinku's picture

Good demand says ticket issuer

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I booked ticket for aug 15th holiday Laughing At the ticket counter, the official said - The bangalore mangalore is always FULL and never has gone with empty seats. Cool Atleaset someone accepts fact. Embarassed

shridhar's picture

Thanks praja

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There is a lot of improvement in Mangalore Bangalore trains after the lodging of comments.  One being the the police paying for the food on friday night on 6517 and paying for the tea/cofee to the food vendors. Well done praja.

The train from mangalore bangalore did not have any crossings other than in Ramnagar.  But we have to see why the trains are delayed in Sakelshpur, Hassan and Mysore.  It looks like the lobby is playing games only in this region not else where.  Is it the tip off to the railway staff or negligence.  And even to our astonishment some of the compartments have been changed back to the regular ones.  Hats off Praja 

 

admin's picture

Cool, keep doing it!

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We know a few folks had filed RTI queries on this subject. Please keep doing it - either call SWR PR officer (Hubli), or their Public Grievance department, or file RTI queries asking for stats on arrival/departure/recorded robberies/load factor on this train.

I think we are ready to start a decicated RTI group on Praja. Basically, a team of experts who will direct you how to do it and how to follow up, though members will have to do the work of sending the letter/email themselves. Stay tuned.

{Admin}

kiran8's picture

Why the roundabout route?

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Why the roundabout route for this train? 

There must be several passenger trains operating to Mysore, so does anyone know why this train has to take a detour..Bangalore,Mysore,Hassan,Sakleshpur ..instead of Bangalore,Hasan, Sakleshpur and Mangalore.It really doesnt make sense to me

 

http://kiran8-various.blo...

Naveen's picture

Bangalore-Hassan BG Line Not Ready !

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Kiran8,

As per SW Railways - The BG Line from Bangalore to Hassan is still under construction.

http://www.southwesternrailway.in/

 

Naveen's picture

Railway Routes to Mangalore

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Anusha Singh,

I'm perplexed by what you say -- how will the development of the connection between Kaniyoor (or Puttur) & Kanhangad benefit travellers between Bangalore & Mangalore ? As I see it, it will only benefit Keralites coming to Bangalore, since the line provides an interface with Konkan railway at Kanhangad. This link might also put more pressure on SWR to run more services to Kerala & ignore bangalore ~ mangalore connection further.

For Mangalore, the better routes can be :

1) Once Yeswantpur-Shravanabelagola BG line is ready /available :  Yeswantpur - Shravanbelagola - Hassan - Sakleshpur - Subramanya rd - Puttur - Kankanadi (M'lore Jn).

2) Route via Arsikere Jn :   Yeswantpur - Tumkur - Arsikere - Hassan - Sakleshpur - Subramanya rd - Puttur - Kankanadi (M'lore Jn).

3) Once BG line between Kadur-Saklespura is ready /available :   Yeswantpur - Tumkur - Arsikere - Kadur - Chikmagalur - Sakleshpur - Subramanya rd - Puttur - Kankanadi (M'lore Jn).

See the railway map links above.

The present route (via Mysore) is not efficient & there have been complaints galore. So, maybe someone should file an RTI, questioning SWR as to why they are not being utilised for mangalore. Does anyone have any idea why these shorter & better routes /lines are not being used ?

I also think that M'lore Central will be erased from the railways map as all konkan services are passing through Kankanadi & I think there are fewer & fewer services from Mangalore Central - I wonder how many are remaining ?

 

C H Vijayshankar

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Atleast we have a performing MP in the Railway Committee from Karnataka. He did contribute to making the Mysore-Nanjangudu rail link a reality:

http://www.hindu.com/2008/06/10/stories/2008061057630300.htm 

Related development

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http://www.hindu.com/2008...

kiran8's picture

Thanks Naveen, but

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Thanks Naveen...; but i was told that, the stretch between haasan and Bangalore had been converted before the sakleshpur section was taken up , and that the train is supposed to pick up a few passengers from Mysore travelling to mangalore.If that is the case then it is easier for them to link them to hasan in a couple of coaches and then transfer them to the bangalore- Mangalore train, not expect the train to take a detour and waste nearly 3-4 hours in the bargain..and then ofcourse the whole excercise may be to facilitate the Goods trains, which is of greater interest to the politicians as many of them have an interest in the transactions...

http://kiran8-various.blo...

shridhar's picture

thanks praja and people of karnataka

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After the publishing of the articles on this praja there have been lot of discussions in the train regarding the contents and a lot of supports is also gained.  The bookings have also increased and one more thing is the people travelling in buses has not increased.  This ia all because of the awareness created by the people subscribing to praja and giving full strength and courage to the people to travel in 6517 and 6518 train.  Hats off Praja....................

As a latest development, the Mangalore MLA Mr Yogish Bhat and Mr Palemar have also told that they will take up the matter with the railway board to see that the arsikere line would be fixed for this train.  Of course these are verbal statements. But through praja we need to pressurise the whole government machinery so that the common man can save his preciuos three to four hours of the day. 

 

anusha_singh's picture

can anyone tell

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There is a notion that you can not get the ticket to mangalore train 6517 and 6518 unless you book three months in advance.  Can anyone tell how to advertise to the common public that the tickets are available at least one week in advance and sometimes even on the very same day. 

 Plesae dont think I want to advertise for the railway department.  But make this train available to all the people who want to travel on it.

 

Anusha 

always active

Anusha 

always active

padnayak's picture

Route to Kanhangad

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I am sure that the proposed railway line to Kanhangad will complete in record time and not like the Mangalore bangalore track. It will be similar to the Sakleshpur Subramanya route, but it will run without any hitch. The reason being it will benefit Keralites and is an inter-state track.

NOM to anyone, but when it comes to railway travel within Karnataka, I think it is one state with least railway connectivity and people are not very active when it comes to demanding their rights.

However, the KRV (Karnataka Rakshana Vedike) is a good platform to echo our views. Probably we need to get in touch with them as well. Good and stern action will result when there is an influencing body to put across our point.

anusha_singh's picture

no food on 6517

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Its really shameful that we indians are mercyless to our fellow men.  And the maximum contribution goes to the Indian policemen.  On friday night there was not a single tea vendor or food vendor on the 6517 train.  After confirming it with TT we passengers came to know the reason for the same.  Each police escort men took three to four parcels of food from these people with three to four cups of tea/coffee from each of the vendor and these vendors could not bear the pinch.  So it was the poor people of train were sufferers as these vendors had boycotted the sales on these trains.  Shame on Indian police.

Anusha 

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Anusha 

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Shiradi Ghat at risk.....

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http://mangalorean.com/ne...

"According to the survey results over 16,000 heavy vehicles including 8,000 very heavy tonnage trucks were using this road in a period of 24 hours. The engineering department of the National Highway Mangalore division feels that the road would not last for more than 90 days at this rate. It has been continuously raining in the ghats which added to the weakening of the tarmac surface of the road."

[...]

"In fact there is already a petroleum pipeline under Mangalore Bangalore Petroleum Pipeline project which can carry all the petroleum products produced by the MRPL to Bangalore. The pipeline goes through Belthangady and Mudigere after starting at Thokur near Surathkal. While the mining, timber and granite could be transported through railway, It seems there is a truck lobby working against the railway and pipeline carriage."  

 

shridhar's picture

Miracle on train 6518

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Hi All note. Do you believe in miracles ? No then pls read this.  On Monday morning train no 6518 which started from Mangalore at 7.45 PM had Mr K Sadananda Gowda State BJP President who boarded from KabakaPuttur at 9.10.  The train which was supposed to reach Mysore at 3.40 reached at 4.30 and left mysore at 5.00.  And the miracle happens here.  It reached Bangalore sharp at 7.05 in a matter of !  How could it happen.  All the passengers were expecting any one of the MPS to be escorted with each of 6517 or 6518 so that they can expect the trains reach in time. 

We the regular passengers have told all the information about the problems being faced, he has assured that within two months from yesterday (please note the date 15-06-2008) at least one train will be commuting during day time between Mangalore and Bangalore and an assurance that the route would be changed from Mysore to Arsikere. He also confirmed that the train will never be cancelled on this route.

Lets hope at least something would happen.

 

tinku's picture

I have decided to travel by

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I have decided to travel by bus in the future. It is torture to travel by train for 15 hours. Frown
shridhar's picture

Good decision ? by Tinku

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Its really a Kannadiga's decidion.  Here we are figthing for the survival and Mr Tinku wants to travel by bus.  Instead of solving the problem we want to deviate from the problem.  Why cant we make the journey pleasurable by taking stern measures.  Mr tinku have you seen how the people on praja are struggling at least to keep the issue burning by writing comments. 

anusha_singh's picture

Cut your hand

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Plesae dont think this as personal Mr Tinku.  Plese cut your hand if your finger is hurt.  I hope you understand what i mean by it.

Anusha 

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Anusha 

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anusha_singh's picture

Delay has made the people reject the train

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Hi All

An interesting fact in train 6517 and 6518 is that for all the days the train 6518 is running with waiting list of at least 100 passenngesrs that is from mangalore to bangalore the train capacity is over and above the full capacity by 72 RAC + 100 WL in total 172 passengers above the housefull quota.  These figures are arrived after the chart is prepared.  Which means people prefer train which reaches bangalore early in the morning.  In return 6517 is below the houseful quota on an average of 100 Available seats.  That is because the delay in reaching Mangalore has made the people to reject the train.  Any analysis ?

These figures are from the seat availability list given from railway departement, 

http://www.indianrail.gov.in/acc_avl.html

train no 6517/6518

source sbc/maq

destination maq/sbc

Anybody can get availability on any day from this site. 

Anusha 

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Anusha 

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padnayak's picture

Statistics of late arrival

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Ref: http://www.mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=local&newsid=81797

MANGALORE June 20: The Bangalore-Mangalore train has arrived in the city on time only once since the time it was launched seven months ago. The train is scheduled to arrive at 8.05 a.m.

Sources at the Bangalore-end confirm that the same is the case at their end; the train is invariably late.

Sources in the Railway divisional headquarters at Palghat said that the train was late by an average of 117 minutes in April. The best timings were maintained in February, when the train was late by an average of 51 minutes.

On April 23, the train arrived 260 minutes late. The only time it arrived on time was on March 14. February 15 was another happy day when the train arrived just 15 minutes behind schedule.

The train has been 100 or more minutes late 50 times. It has breached the 200-minute mark thrice.

The train has gained such notoriety for being late that railway sources from Bangalore said that its ticket sales are dipping. This is sad news for a train that began to run after years of agitations by the people of this city. In fact, the train was over-booked until recently. There was a time when one had to book a ticket a month in advance.

The train was launched with much fanfare on December 8, 2007, when Railway Minister Lalu Prasad personally flagged off the train on its maiden journey.

On that day, thousands of people had turned up at every junction, station, level-crossing and clearing between Mangalore and Hassan. They had waited for hours just so that they could wave at their dream train as it chugged past on its maiden journey.

A fact that the people overlooked on that day was that the maiden train was also late by several hours.

People were happy and uncomplaining then, but nobody is amused today. The General Manager of the South Western Railway, Praveen Kumar, said that there was a problem on the line in April and May.

There were some serious repairs being carried out on four bridges during those months,he said. Mr. Kumar also said that the ghat section that lies between Subramanya Road and Hassan, caused the train to go slower than the designated speed. He said that the stretch has had a history of landslides and negotiating it is a challenge each time. There may be train stoppages in this stretch, he said.

However, several passengers who spoke to The Hindu said that the train tends to take almost an hour (sometimes more) to get from Mangalore Junction to Mangalore Central.

Hindu

anusha_singh's picture

9 seater bay in mangalore bangalore train

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As the peoples comments increase in Praja the railway officials are on 6517 and 6518 to check the reason for the delay.  and for the past three days the train is runnin only 20 minutes late.

And one more thing, new compartments with 9 seaters have been introduced which has one more middle berth for the side seats.  It makes the people to struggle to get their body into the berth.  Really unscintific method of innovation. 

 

Anusha 

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Anusha 

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lsuresh's picture

cancellation of local trains on this route

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There is a move to cancel the local trains from Subramanya to Mangalore and between Puttur -Mangalore. For more info you can read

http://www.udayavani.com/showstory.asp?news=0&contentid=546969&lang=2

anusha_singh's picture

HI All, This is not at all

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HI All,

This is not at all surprising.  Because due to the agitation of the people thru praja the mangalore bangalore train is plying till date.  And after June lots of developments and improvements could be seen on this line.

To be honest Mangalore subaramanya train which is plying at the moment runs in odd time and very slowly which tests the patience of the passengers.  Even we commented on seeing the total passengers plying over the trains as these are the people who should be given Bharata Ratna award.  Inspite of all the harassments and problems these people ply on this train which shows their affection towards the Mangalore Subramanya train.

 

Anusha 

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Anusha 

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anusha_singh's picture

Shame on KSRTC never expected this when in emergency

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Puttur, Aug 10: Passenger and goods trains running on South Western Railway's (SWR) route between Bangalore and Mangalore have been temporarily cancelled owing to a landslide across the tracks at Edakumeri near Subrahmanya, which occurred on the evening of Sunday, August 10.

A large quantity of loosened soil from the hillock that runs along the rail route, has been dumped on the tracks following heavy rains. SWR officers rushed to the spot along with workmen and track-mounted earthmovers, in an attempt to clear the soil from the tracks, and are working through the night to restore train traffic at the earliest, informed sources.

People from Bangalore who had arrived here for the weekend have been  inconvenienced due to the cancellation of trains. They will now have to rely on  bus services if they are to reach the state capital by Monday morning.

The KSRTC people had taken the passengers on ride when there was problem due to cancellation of Mangalore Bangalore train.  They were charging 60 rupees per ticket from passengers for the special buses arranged. The KSRTC is not running buses to make business but it is a service.  And the people had to pay more than 170 rupees above the train fair for sleeper class and 270 when compared to general class.  Shame on KSRTC. 

Anusha 

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Anusha 

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shridhar's picture

Everybody testing the patience of kannadigas

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As Anusha told its not just the KSRTC taking the people of Karnatak on ride but all the departments.  When the Govt has all the machineries why cant they clear the track from Mangalore to Bangalore wherere the landslide had taken place on Sunday morning.  Its almost four days by now the people who had booked the tickets three months in advance are suffering due to the lack of transportaion.  The same type of landslide had taken place in the hills of Ratnagiri on Konkan raily and the track was cleared for pasenger commutation in one day.  All the measures were taken to see that the rocks near the rail route would not be effected by fencing the rocks on the whole hill area.  That is because nearly 15 trains commute from Kerala to Mumbai via Mangalore.  Here only one train from Bangalore to Mangalore (ALL KANNADIGAS).

So we have money and we are ready to pay more for our journey to mangalore or return back to Bangalore.  Where is Karnataka Rakshana Vedike now ? And no seats are available on 14th or 17th.  The KSRTC fair(301)360 Pvt buses (350)600 to unlimited. (Rates in bracket are regular rates).

When the britishers were ruling us we were blaming them for looting us.  Now we keep quiet when we loot our own people.  This is the merits of Indian Independence.

 

 

padnayak's picture

Mangalore cut off

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We have bad roads from Mangalore to Bangalore, a pathetic train service. So what option do we have? Take a flight?

Landslides are not cleared in time and people who have booked tickets on train dont get any other mode of transport. Any emergency situation, and people have no option for transportation...

 Pathetic situation in these modern times!!!

tinku's picture

man made land slide

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Laughing It is clear that it is man made landlside to benefit the bus lobby on occasion of independence day . poor rain is taking the blame.

 

Also where is out MP Mr K Sadananda Gowda WHO PROMISED DAY TRAIN. Today is 18th Aug and 2 months deadline is over. The train is not important for politicians. they are busy buying opposition MLAS.,Money mouth

tinku's picture

Train extension

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It is shocking to hear that railways have extended the train to kannur. The no. of seats will be reduced from 400 to just 60. There is no tatkal as mangalore is no longer the final destination. The train will no touch mangalore central station. One has to alight at Managlore junction which is far from city. I wonder to what extent railways could go. This is robbery.

vlnarayan's picture

Bangalore - Mangalore Train Bad to Worse

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Another pair of train which was planned to run via hassan is still in cold storage and this is nothing but mockery of general public. This is nothing against extension of the train but the unjustice being meeted out to Mangalore.

 

 

harsha's picture

Finally done

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Finally all Kannadigas the Mangalore bangalore train is off your hands. 

Where is Kannda Rakshana Vedike ?

 

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