Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Oct 22: A special train service has been provided between Bengaluru and Mangaluru for Deepavali, following the difficulties faced by the public during the Dasara festival. However, confusion prevails among passengers as no return service to Bengaluru has been scheduled after Deepavali.

The introduction of a special train from Bengaluru to Mangaluru on October 30 is a welcome move. However, there is concern that after Deepavali, no special train service has been arranged for the return journey to Bengaluru. Compounding the issue, from October 31 to November 3, there is a series of holidays, including the weekend, and bus fares have doubled for November 2 and 3.

The Yeshwantpur-Mangaluru special train will depart at 11:50 pm on October 30 from Yeshwantpur and arrive in Mangaluru at 11:45 am the following day. Similarly, the Mangaluru-Yeshwantpur special train will leave Mangaluru at 1 pm on October 31 and reach Yeshwantpur at 9:15 pm the same night.

Anil Hegde, technical advisor of the Western Railway Passengers Welfare Committee, said, “It is common for the number of passengers arriving at and leaving their native places to increase during festivals. While it is commendable that special trains have been introduced for the festival, those who come to their native places are left in a dilemma about how to return. A special train is needed to cater to passengers returning to Bengaluru after the festival.”

Nitesh D’Souza, an employee, added, “During Dasara, we also faced enormous transport problems. I had to travel to Bengaluru the next day as no buses were available. Kindly arrange a special train from Mangaluru to Bengaluru after Deepavali as well.”