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Exploring Nandi Hills Made Easier with Railway Extension
South Western Railway (SWR) has exciting news for Bengaluru residents and travel enthusiasts. Commencing from December 11, SWR is extending the operation of Memu (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) trains on the airport route from Devanahalli to Chikkaballapur. This development opens up new possibilities for residents to travel conveniently to Nandi Hills, a beloved weekend destination situated approximately 60 km from Bengaluru.
New Train Routes for a Quick Jaunt to Nandi Hills
Residents can now embark on a scenic journey to Nandi Hills via electric trains. The Memu trains include 06531/06532 Bengaluru Cantonment-Chikkaballapur-Cantonment, 06535/06538 Chikkaballapur-Bengaluru Cantonment-Chikkaballapur, and 06593/06594 Yeswantpur-Chikkaballapur-Yeswantpur. This expansion not only promises a faster and more comfortable travel experience but also presents an eco-friendly alternative for those exploring the picturesque Nandi Hills.
Feedback from Residents and Enthusiasts
While the extension brings excitement, Siddharth Raja, a resident of Nandi Hills, points out the need for multi-modal public transport options from the Nandi Halt train station to key sites in the region. Raja emphasizes the importance of reducing travel time for practical use, both for work and leisure.
Manju Nair, a college student and rail enthusiast, raises concerns about the timing of the proposed morning Memu train, suggesting it might be too late for those seeking to witness the sunrise at Nandi Hills. Nair highlights the potential benefits for students, farmers, and those visiting landmarks like the 112-ft Adiyogi bust at Chikkaballapur.
Challenges in Train Schedules and Stoppage Points
Currently, trains like 06387/06388 KSR Bengaluru-Kolar-Cantonment Diesel Multiple Unit (Demu) and 16549/16550 KSR Bengaluru - Kolar- KSR Bengaluru Demu make halts at Nandi station. However, Rajkumar Dugar, a rail activist, points out the absence of stoppages at intermediate stations like Bettahalsoor, Doddajala, and Channasandra. Dugar suggests that these stations should be included to enhance accessibility for commuters.
Dugar also sheds light on the reluctance of agents to man the halt stations due to insufficient compensation, hindering the expansion of stoppages.
Restoration of Heritage Stations and Tour Packages
SWR had initially planned a one-day tour package on the historic Bengaluru-Devanahalli-Chikkaballapur heritage rail route. The itinerary included visits to heritage stations, sunrise at Nandi Hills, Devanahalli Fort, the Adiyogi bust at Chikkaballapur (Isha Foundation), and other historical landmarks.
Kusuma Hariprasad, Additional Divisional Manager (Bengaluru division), shares that SWR, in collaboration with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), has already restored three heritage stations on this route: Doddajala, Devanahalli, and Avatihalli. The restoration work at Nandi Halt is set to be completed in two months, allowing SWR to operate an early train for visitors to catch the sunrise at Nandi Hills.
The railway line from Devanahalli to Chikkaballapur holds historical significance as the first railway network in the country established by private enterprise (public-private partnership) during Sir M Visvesvaraya's tenure as the Diwan of Mysore in 1915.
The efforts to restore heritage stations and improve connectivity reflect a commitment to offering residents and tourists a delightful and enriching travel experience.
