Memu, Demu trains resume, but crowds missing on Day 1

Memu, Demu trains resume, but crowds missing on Day 1

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bengaluru: 08.12.2020

In a move that could benefit thousands of daily passengers travelling between Bengaluru and nearby districts, South Western Railway (SWR) on Monday resumed Memu and Demu train services. However, ridership was low due to reasons like the work-fromhome arrangement, virus scare and poor awareness about timings.

SWR is operating 12 short-distance passenger trains connecting Bengaluru to all directions (Mysuru, Hassan, Hindupur, Hosur, Marikuppam/Bangarpet) till December

17. The services are likely to be extended thenceforth. It’s among the few railway zones in the country to resume unreserved passenger trains after the lockdown. The first train was 06558 Mysuru-Bangarpet Memu which departed from Mysuru at 5.50am, arrived at KSR Bengaluru City station at 8.44am and reached Bangarpet at 10.40am.

The train was received by Bengaluru Central MP PC Mohan at City railway station and Kolar MP S Muniswamy at Bangarpet. Tumakuru MP GS Basavaraju flagged off another train from Tumakuru to Yeshwantpur.

Railway officials distributed masks and sanitisers and interacted with passengers to sensitise them about precautions to be taken to prevent spread of Covid-19. SWR is taking preventive measures like conducting thermal screening and ensuring social distancing at stations.

Many passengers welcomed the resumption of train services. “This was long awaited. These trains are cheaper and faster than buses. I could reach Bangarpet in two hours from KSR Bengaluru City. It will take more than three hours by bus,” said Madhav S, a daily-wage worker.

Rajiv R, another passenger, said: “These non-AC coaches are safer than Metro. The service is useful for commuting towards Whitefield. Passengers are screened at stations and seats have markings. They could introduce more trains so more people can benefit.”

Bengaluru divisional railway manager (DRM) Ashok Kumar Verma said: “These are special trains for a short period so season tickets and concessional ones for senior citizens and children will not be issued. Tickets can’t be booked through UTS mobile app.”

Eight of the 12 trains recorded a combined ridership of 817; statistics for the others were not available. While KSR Bengaluru-Hosur Memu had just16 passengers, Marikuppam-KSR Bengaluru Memu ferried 289, according to officials.

First Memu train to Hosur

SWR on Monday operated the first Memu train from Bengaluru to Hosur. 06547 KSR Bengaluru-Hosur Memu left KSR Bengaluru at 7.15am and arrived in Hosur at 8.35am. In the return direction, 06548 Hosur-KSR Bengaluru Memu left Hosur at 8.45am and reached KSR Bengaluru at 10.10am.

Last month, electrification work between Byappanahalli and Hosur (48km) was completed. This will help railways operate Memu trains between Bengaluru and Hosur. Those working on Outer Ring Road and in Sarjapur, Electronics City and Bommasandra are set to benefit. Memu trains are faster, cheaper and more environmentally friendly than Demu trains.

Rail enthusiast Abhishek R, who travelled on the Hosur train, said: “It will help many people. But there were only a few commuters on board because of lack of awareness. We hope ridership will pick up soon.”

AFFORDABLE MODE: Hosur-KSR Bengaluru Memu reached City railway station at 10.10am. Many passengers welcomed resumption of services