Mysuru: The pending 1.7 kilometre stretch of track doubling between Bengaluru-Mysuru at Srirangapatna has been commissioned for traffic. With the commissioning of the track yesterday, the entire 138.3 kms stretch between the two cities is complete.
For now, trains with diesel engines are plying both ways but once the electrification between Yeliyur near Mandya and Mysuru (39 kms) which is pending is completed, electric trains, especially Shatabdi will have faster travel time. Right now, every time Shatabdi Express has to come towards Mysuru, its engine has to be changed from electric to diesel in Bengaluru which takes about 20 minutes.
On an average, 24 pairs of trains including weekly and biweekly ply between Mysuru and Bengaluru every day and the track doubling may not cut the travel time between the two cities drastically. But once the electrification is completed the travel time will be cut. Also, the frequency of trains from Mysuru is expected to increase.
The track doubling was sanctioned in 3 stages. While Stage 1 between Bengaluru and Kengeri was commissioned in February 2007 at a cost of Rs. 39.59 crore, Stage II between Kengeri and Ramanagaram was commissioned in October 2008 at a cost of Rs. 75.98 crore.
Stage III between Ramanagaram and Mysuru was taken up at a cost of Rs. 875 crore, according to Railways.
Why was the electrification not done up to the place where doubling of track was halted. if that was done then only 1.7 km of track would have remained. Now how will be responsible for any cost escalation and for the inconvenience caused to lakhs of railway users.