Kochi: New train to Bengaluru from October 20

Kochi: Passengers can make advance reservation for travel in the new bi-weekly train between Kochuveli in Thiruvananthapuram and Banaswadi in Bengaluru from Wednesday onwards.

Minister of State for Tourism Alphons Kannanthanam will flag off Train No 16319 Humsafar Express at 11 am from Kochuveli on October 20.

"The reservation will be open from Wednesday onwards. The third AC fare will be Rs 1,295 per person,'said a senior official.

The biweekly train will start from Kochuveli on every Thursday and Saturday at 6.05 pm to reach Banaswadi at 10.45 am the next day. On return direction, the train will start from Banaswadi on every Saturday and Monday at 7 pm to reach Kochuveli at 9.05 am the next day.

The train will halt at Kollam Junction, Chengannur, Kottayam, Ernakulam Town, Thrissur, Palakkad Junction, Padanur Junction, Coimbatore Junction, Erode Junction, Salem Junction and Krishnarajapuram.

Meanwhile, the various passenger associations said that the train service will not be of much help to commuters from the state as the service gets terminated at Banaswadi, nearly 20 kms away from Bangalore city.

"The taxis will charge a hefty amount for further travel. The railways should consider extending the service to Bangalore city," said Paul K J Manvettom, president of All-Kerala Rail Users Association.

However, a railway official said the stoppage at Krishnarajapuram has been provided to facilitate passengers avail connection trains. "The heavy rail traffic meant there is no slot for any additional trains at KSR station. Passengers could get down at Krishnarajapuram and get connection bus or train service," he said.