In a significant move aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and passenger convenience, the South Western Railway (SWR) zone has announced a comprehensive revision of its train timetable. These sweeping changes, set to take effect from the first day of the new year, will impact the schedules of numerous trains crisscrossing the region.
Details of the Timetable Overhaul
The railway authorities have confirmed that the new schedule will be implemented from January 1, 2025. This is not a minor adjustment but a substantial revamp that will see the rescheduling of 35 mail, express, and passenger train services. The changes are designed to optimize network capacity, improve punctuality, and better align services with passenger demand patterns.
A key highlight of the new timetable is the introduction of additional stoppages for several important trains. For instance, the Yesvantpur-Karwar Tri-weekly Express (16523/16524) will now make a scheduled halt at Ankola station. Similarly, the Mysuru-Belagavi Express (17307/17308) has been granted a new stoppage at Londa Junction, improving connectivity for passengers travelling between these points.
Notable Train Rescheduling
The changes affect a wide array of services. The Mysuru-Dharwad Express (17309/17310) will see its departure time from Mysuru shifted to a later slot. Furthermore, the Bengaluru City-Vasco Da Gama Express (17311/17312) will also operate on a revised schedule, affecting travel plans for those heading to and from Goa.
Passengers of the Mysuru-Sainagar Shirdi Express (22185/22186) and the Mysuru-Ajmer Express (16205/16206) must also take note, as their departure and arrival timings will be altered. The adjustments extend to passenger trains as well, with services like the Mysuru-Chamarajanagar Passenger (56215/56216/56217/56218) receiving updated timings.
Implications and Passenger Advisory
These operational changes are expected to have a ripple effect across the South Western Railway network. The primary goal is to reduce congestion on busy routes, minimize delays, and provide a more reliable service. By retiming certain trains, SWR aims to better utilize infrastructure and rolling stock.
For the travelling public, this means it is imperative to reconfirm train schedules before planning any journey from January 1 onwards. Timings printed on old tickets or found in previous public timetables will no longer be valid. The railway has advised passengers to check the updated schedule through official channels—the NTES (National Train Enquiry System) app, the Indian Railway website, or by inquiring at station counters.
This timetable revision is a routine but crucial exercise undertaken by railways to adapt to changing travel patterns and infrastructure upgrades. The South Western Railway's decision to implement these changes at the start of the new year provides a clear cutoff date, allowing passengers and railway staff alike to prepare for the new regime of train operations.
