Train Timings in India are often a pain on your......! . Why do they change the timings often? I do not know.
Most trains are demanded and introduced by MPs and Ministers. It seems they never check people's requirement. That is true for Number of Railway lines as well. It seems it is all done on the Whims and fancies of some politicians. There are railway networks to least traveled places and least used. I am not saying that we need not build railway to remote places. But the usability- profitability etc. need to be checked.
If you check Railway map of Bihar or Bengal you will see number of Railway network. This is because most Railway Ministers were from that area. Those areas are notorious for ticket-less travelling still more number of tracks and trains are put there. On the contrary take south. Most people buy tickets and travel - even platform tickets are religiously bought. This is very true for us - for Keralites.
Southern Karnataka, Malabar area is most neglected by Railways. There are many districts like Coorg, Wayanad where train travel is unheard of and they think it is impossible to build a rail line there. If we can build railway line in Konkan coast then it is very much possible. A railway line through Wayanad and Coorg is a much needed thing. Speculation on environmental damage because of Railway line is exaggerated. More damage is done because of Road connection. More and More roads are built through the forests. In fact a Railway line through forest has less impact than Road.
Malabar Should be connected to Mysore. That is long cherished dream of people. Already there is a rail line upto Nanjangud. This should be extended upto Nilambur. Nilambur in Malabar is near by. A connection through forest, although difficult because of terrain, is feasible and it can reduce the distance between Kochi and Bangalore. The benefits are immense. Tourism potential is enormous. Many times feasibility studies are done and left out. Many people think that this is because of pressure from Bus lobby. Kerala Politician's nexus with Private bus owners is suspected. The private bus owners are unscrupulous and at times they charge hefty rates - especially during Xmas / Onam vacations. There is absolutely no regulation to check the bus Tariff from Various places in Malabar to Bangalore / Mysore.
We need new Railway tracks. The demand for Nanjugud - Nilambur line or Mysore - Tellichery line is sought since Independence but no action is taken so far. Large number of students study in Mysore / Bangalore also there are number of IT and other professionals from Malabar working in Bangalore. They find it very difficult to travel because they have to depend on a single train - Kannur - Yashwantpur express. Tickets have to be booked 3 months in advance for this train that much rush is there. But still there were attempts to make this train weekly once !! It is amazing how people in Railway Ministry in Delhi thinks! - Southern MPs are not capable enough to raise their points or are least concerned about the plight of people.
Concerted effort is needed demanding new trains from Malabar to Bangalore.
