Belagavi residents upset over timings of new Vande Bharat train
As per a release from South Western Railway (SWR), the train is scheduled to depart Belagavi at 5.20am. This early morning timing has become the bone of contention now. Locals argue that such an early departure makes the journey more of a hassle than a convenience, especially for children.
Senior activist Ashok Chandaragi said, "It's a very inconvenient time to board a train. No autorickshaws are available at that hour.
People will be forced to rely on someone to drop them off. They will have to face stray dogs as it is still dark. This is nothing but torture in the name of providing a high-priced service."
According to Chandaragi, people of Belagavi have been demanding the extension of the existing Bengaluru-Dharwad Vande Bharat Express to Belagavi. "Trials were also done, but the Centre turned down the demand. A few months ago, the railway ministry announced a dedicated train between Bengaluru and Belagavi.
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If you examine it closely, this doesn't seem to benefit the people of Belagavi, but will be of much help to passengers from Hubballi," Chandaragi alleged.
In a release, he said while passengers of Belagavi are left to struggle to reach the railway station in the wee hours, the train reaches Hubballi at 8am, where passengers can board comfortably and reach Bengaluru at 1.20pm. "If the railways truly care about Belagavi passengers, let the train depart at 7.30am and reach Bengaluru at 3pm.
The return train could leave Bengaluru at 1.30pm and arrive in Belagavi by 9pm. Only then will this service help Belagavi people," he stated.
"The BJP MPs, including Jagadish Shettar, Rajya Sabha member Iranna Kadadi, and even Union minister Pralhad Joshi, are fighting to get credit for the new VB train. They are holding press conferences and issuing press releases to prove their role in getting the new train for Belagavi. Instead of fighting to take credit for the train, let them fight to get the timing changed," Chandaragi suggested.
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