A significant disruption in train services along the Bengaluru-Mysuru route has underscored ongoing challenges in railway infrastructure management, leaving commuters stranded and causing widespread inconvenience on Wednesday morning. The delay, attributed to construction delays related to a Railway Under Bridge (RUB) between Kengeri and Hejjala, affected multiple trains including the MEMU Express, Mysuru – Chennai Express, and Vishwa Manava Express.
Passengers, primarily daily commuters from suburban areas, experienced prolonged delays and were forced to seek alternative transport options such as buses after disembarking at stations like Bidadi, Ramanagara, and Kengeri. Reports from affected passengers highlighted frustrations over extended wait times, with some resorting to leisure activities like chess to pass the time.
An official from the South Western Railway (SWR) cited safety-related construction works at the RUB as the cause for the disruption, noting that scheduled completion by 6 am was delayed due to unforeseen site conditions. The resultant delays persisted for over four hours, impacting both inbound and outbound services between Bengaluru and Mysuru. Normalcy was restored by 10:20 am, following concerted efforts to expedite the completion of construction works and deploy assistance to stranded passengers through dedicated help desks at affected stations.
The incident underscores broader concerns regarding infrastructure maintenance and operational efficiency within India’s railway network, particularly on critical routes connecting major urban centres like Bengaluru and Mysuru. Such disruptions not only inconvenience passengers but also highlight the need for enhanced planning, coordination, and contingency measures to mitigate the impact on daily commuters and ensure uninterrupted service delivery. As India continues to expand and modernise its railway infrastructure to accommodate growing passenger and freight demands, incidents like these serve as crucial reminders of the imperative for robust investment in infrastructure upgrades and maintenance practices.
