Title - Two trains to bring more benefits to Coimbatore

The proposed introduction of a new weekly train from Yesvantpur to Mangalore and a recently introduced weekly special train from Mangalore to Kacheguda (Hyderabad) is expected to benefit Coimbatore to a considerable extent.The Yesvantpur – Mangalore weekly train (06565/66) to be introduced shortly will serve the travel needs of Coimbatoreans to Bangalore (Yesvantpur is a satellite station for Bangalore) as well as Mangalore.The Mangalore – Kacheguda (Hyderabad) weekly express is a precursor to the weekly train service announced in the budget. The special train service 07605 from Mangalore departs on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. and reaches Coimbatore in the small hours of Thursday and reaches Kacheguda at 3.40 a.m. on Friday.In the return direction, the Kacheguda – Mangalore special train 07606 departs from Kacheguda on Tuesdays at 6 a.m., reaches Coimbatore in the small hours of Wednesday, and reaches Mangalore at forenoon on Thursday. In both directions, the train gives day-time connectivity for Coimbatore with Mangalore as well as Hyderabad.

The train has 18 coaches with one AC two-tier, two AC III tier, seven sleeper class coaches, six general second-class and two luggage-cum-brake van coaches. As generally done by Railways, the train on completion of its four-plus-four services as a special train in either direction for studying the traffic pattern, will be converted into a regular bi-weekly service as announced in the budget and indicated in the Southern Zonal Railway Time Table.

The proposed Bangalore – Mangalore – Bangalore (Yesvantpur – Mangalore) weekly train will provide Coimbatore with one additional train connectivity with Mangalore and the much required connectivity with Bangalore. Because of code of conduct in force in Karnataka and resistance for operating the train on a circuitous route, the introduction of the same was getting delayed, say sources.

People in Karnataka want the train to be operated from Mangalore to Bangalore directly via Subhramaniya Road. However, when introduced, the train gets the distinction of running from Bangalore to Mangalore (both in Karnataka) via three southern States namely Andhra Pradesh (Kuppam), Tamil Nadu and Kerala before reaching Mangalore.

The train 16565 on introduction from Yesvantpur will depart in the small hours of Sunday, reach Coimbatore around 9 a.m. on Monday and reach Mangalore on Monday evening at 5.40 p.m.