Suburban train timings: Commuters win

Bengaluru: Some suburban rail patrons have been working in tandem with the South Western Railways to bring about a change. After months of research, Mr Suhas Narayan Murthy, a software professional, submitted a proposal for revision of Yeshwanthpur-Hosur train timings, parts of which have been accepted officially.  

In July, techies and other regular commuters staged two rail rokos, protesting against the delay and infrequent train service from Yeshwanthpur to Hosur.

“Till now, we used to get held up at the Byyappanahalli station as this train got delayed. Other express trains coming from Hosur to the city got the right of way and this train never ran on schedule. That's why the commuters protested,” explained Mr Murthy, who submitted the proposal in August 2016. After multiple follow-ups with SWR officials and even Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu, his suggestions for change have been accepted.

The official SWR note Mr Murthy received reads, “SWR runs 94 trains which cater to commuters of Bengaluru. Based on your suggestion and recommendations, revision in timings to some extent has been made. The DEMU special train timings will be revised and put into effect shortly.”

As per the new timetable, the train that normally leaves Yeshwanthpur at 6.30 am will now depart at 6.15 am. The service is quicker to depart and arrive by approximately 15 minutes. The return journey timings have also been altered by a few minutes.

“This helps our cause for suburban rail. The train will no longer get stuck at crossings at Carmelram or Heelalige. People going up to Bellandur will be benefited. There will be no delay for people rushing to office," Mr Murthy said. For instance, the train will reach Carmelram station at 7.07 am instead of 7.26 am.