Kunigal Railway Station which lies on the new Bengaluru-Hassan railway line will also be served by the Kudla Express. FILE PHOTO more-in Rail fans in the State have expressed anguish over the Railway Ministry’s indifference to start the Kudla Express (Yeshwantpur-Mangaluru Central-Yeshwantpur) on March 26 when the Bengaluru-Hassan new line is being inaugurated. Several rail enthusiasts have been fighting before different forums for the early completion of the new line, which was sanctioned in 1996-97, to reduce the journey hours between Bengaluru and the coastal region. “It is surprising that the Railways has ignored the key demand of faster connectivity when the line is being opened,” regretted T.P. Lokesh from the Karnataka Railway Vedike, Bengaluru. Sanjeev Dyamannavar from Prajaa-Raag, a rail advocacy group, in his petition to authorities concerned, pointed out that the Bengaluru-Hassan as well as Hassan-Mangaluru lines were substantially funded by the State government. Yet, there is only one night train between Bengaluru and Mangaluru and a tri-weekly day train connecting the two major cities of the State. It is regretful that the benefits of public fund are not extended to the common man, he said. The State government and elected representatives should urge the Railways to introduce Kudla Express on March 26 itself, Mr. Dyamannavar said, adding more trains should be introduced on the sector.

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