New train from Bengaluru to Thiruvananthapuram

New Delhi: Chief Minister of Karnataka B S Yediyurappa, Minister of State of Railways, Suresh C Angadi, and Prathap Simha, MP, Mysuru-Kudagu along with elected representatives of Mysuru on Monday flagged off a new train No.16316 /16315, Kochuveli – KSR Bengaluru – Kochuveli Express up to Mysuru from Mysuru Railway Station.

V Somanna, Minister of Housing and District in-charge Minister of Mysuru, C T Ravi, Minister of Tourism and Kanada & Culture, Pushpalatha Jaganath, mayor Mysuru, Paramila Shyam, president of zilla panchayat of Mysuru, Niranjan Kumar, MLA, Chamarajnagar were present on the occasion.

With the extension of KSR Bengaluru city- Kochuveli- KSR Bengaluru city daily express up to Mysuru, direct rail connectivity between Mysuru and several prominent cities in Tamil Nadu and Kerala have been provided. These services will also be immensely beneficial to a large number of people of Kerala origin residing in and around Mysuru to reach their hometown conveniently.

The train stops at Salem, Erode, Coimbatore, Palghat, Allapuzha and Quilon in its path. The extension of train services will also be a boon for people visiting Mysuru during the Dasara festivities and will further improve tourism on the council of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

The train covers a distance of approximately 966 kilometers, leaves Mysuru at 12.50 hrs and reaches Kochuveli at 8.35 hrs the next day. In the return leg of its journey, the train leaves Kochuveli at 16.50 hrs to reach Mysuru at 11.20 hrs the next day.

Speaking on the occasion of flagging off of the train, Chief Minister of Karnataka B S Yediyurappa appreciated Minister of State Railways Suresh C Angadi for giving emphasis to development of railway infrastructure and taking initiative to run trains during festival season to cater to the travel requirement in Karnataka. He assured MoSR of providing funds for cost sharing projects in Karnataka.

Minister of State of Railways Angadi during his address to the gathering informed that about Rs.5 Lakh Crore will be invested in railway projects in coming years and requested State govt to spare land, wherever needed for speedy execution of railway projects. MoSR said that priority in railways shall be given to safety, punctuality and cleanliness, especially in general coaches. He appealed to the local youth to appear for railway exams as innumerable job opportunities are coming up in Indian Railway.

On the occasion an escalator at Platform No. 6 connecting FOB to all platforms and reserved lounge at Platform No. 1 was also inaugurated as part of redevelopment of Mysuru Railway Station. The energy efficient star-rated escalator is of state-of-the-art technology and its safety aspects are fully complying with international standard. The escalator will be a relief for senior citizens, women with children and physically-challenged for movement between platforms. The reserved lounge has been provided with all modern facilities, aesthetic and cozy furniture for better comfort of the passengers. The ambiance of lounge has been done up with interior designing, wall panels and artistic paintings.

MoSR also inspected Mysuru Railway Station and passenger amenities being provided for the travelling public. He also visited Rail Heritage gallery at Platform No.1 and interacted with passengers and luggage porters at Mysuru.