Mysuru: The track doubling and electrification work on the Mysuru-Bengaluru track is complete and Shatabdi Express (Mysuru-Chennai) is the first planned locomotive to be run on electric traction in the last week of this month.
Once the electric train is introduced, there will be considerable time saved on changing locomotives at Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna (KSR) Railway Station in Bengaluru.
Speaking to Star of Mysore, SWR Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO), E. Vijaya, when asked how much time would be saved said, “Running time is dependent on number of factors and saving cannot be quantified now. However, time being used for changeover of engines from diesel to electric and vice versa in Bengaluru and fuelling of diesel engines at Mysuru will be avoided. Time saving is expected to be up to 7-8 minutes on this account. But minimum stoppage at these two said stations shall still continue.”
The diesel locomotives will be replaced with electric ones in a phased manner depending on loco availability and incoming power availability at Yeliyur traction. “It depends on locomotives availability and it is expected that by 2018-19 only electric trains will ply in the section,” she said and added “three express trains and three passenger trains will run on electricity only by March 2018.”
On how much cost reduction will happen once electric locomotives are introduced when compared to diesel hauled ones, Vijaya said, “There will be saving of 1,300 litres of diesel in one train from Bengaluru to Mysuru and back. A litre of diesel costs Rs. 57.20 in Bengaluru. There will be cost reduction of approximately Rs. 20 crore. However, cost of electricity depends on tariff rates of State Electricity Board.”
What is the impact of switching from diesel to electric engines? Vijaya categorically stated that pollution on account of diesel engine will be totally eliminated . “This is a giant leap towards Green and clean Mysuru,” she said.
Terminal problem: In spite of the track doubling and electrification between Mysuru and Bengaluru and the euphoria with which the people of both the cities have welcomed it, there is nothing much to cheer about for the passengers as there is congestion in Bengaluru.
Shatabdi is the fastest train commuting between two cities. The running time between the two cities is two hours now. After the completion of the both the projects, the trains from Mysuru up to Kengeri can run very fast. However, the time taken to cover a distance of just 16 kms to Bengaluru will be anywhere between 30 to 50 minutes because of the high density of train traffic in this station. Hence, to overcome this problem not only requires redesigning the entire KSR Railway Station, but also needs a rescheduling of Bengaluru-Mysuru train timing to complete the travel time in shorter span of time.
I agree with the statement. Most important issue is the availability of PLATFORM in KSR BANGALORE and ALSO in MYSORE. All the trains are msde to stop at the OUTER SIGNAL for at least 15 to 20 minutes for lack of vacant platform. It is really surprising that in BANGALORE only THREE platforms are available for the trains running in KARNATAKA.The SWR are unable to manage with it. Even the signalling system is old and has to be upgraded. Same case is persisting at MYSORE also. Trains are made to stop at the outer signal and many times the passengers going to NANJANGUDU and CHAMARAJNAGAR miss the connecting trains. The train which runs between NANJANGUDU and MYSURU No 56205/56206 never runs in time and many passengers wish to go by TIPPU express miss the train. Double line and Electrification does not help to the passengers difficulties but only helps SWR in saving money. Of course the environment becomes SWATCH. I belive that the SWR will make note of this and improve the facility and convenience of the passengers.