Major Railway Disruptions in Karnataka Due to Infrastructure Work
Significant disruptions are expected across several train services in Karnataka from February 9 to 17, 2024, due to essential infrastructure maintenance. The South Western Railway has announced a line block and power block to facilitate the insertion and removal of a temporary girder at level crossing No. 196, located between Tholahunse and Davangere stations. This critical work is necessary for ensuring long-term safety and operational efficiency but will result in widespread changes to train schedules, including full cancellations and route diversions.
Full Cancellations on February 17
On Saturday, February 17, four train services will be completely cancelled to accommodate the girder work. Passengers are advised to seek alternative arrangements for their travel plans. The affected trains are:
- Train No. 17391: KSR Bengaluru–Sindhanur Express
- Train No. 56928: Sindhanur–SSS Hubballi Passenger
- Train No. 07396: Davangere–Ballari Junction DEMU
- Train No. 07395: Ballari Junction–Davangere DEMU
These cancellations are expected to impact commuters and long-distance travelers, particularly those relying on these routes for daily or weekend travel.
Route Diversions and Schedule Adjustments
In addition to cancellations, several trains will operate on diverted routes or with altered starting points to minimize overall disruption. Key changes include:
- Train No. 12726 Dharwad–KSR Bengaluru Express: On February 17, this express service will commence its journey from Chikjajur instead of its usual origin at Dharwad. It will depart from Chikjajur at its scheduled time, requiring passengers boarding from Dharwad to make alternative travel arrangements to Chikjajur.
- Train No. 56529 Harihar–Hosapete Passenger: This train will be diverted on February 9 and 17. It will run via Harihar, Davangere, Amaravathi Colony, and Teligi, skipping its regular stoppage at Tholahunse station. Passengers intending to alight or board at Tholahunse should plan accordingly.
- Train No. 56530 Hosapete–Harihar Passenger: On February 10, this service will follow a diverted route via Teligi, Amaravathi Colony, Davangere, and Harihar, also bypassing Tholahunse station.
- Train No. 16588 Bikaner–Yesvantpur Express: On February 15, this long-distance express will be rerouted via Gadag, Ballari (bypass), Rayadurg, Chikjajur, and Birur. It will skip its scheduled stoppages at SSS Hubballi, Ranibennur, and Davangere stations, affecting passengers traveling to or from these locations.
Impact on Passengers and Recommendations
The railway authorities have emphasized that these measures are temporary and essential for maintaining infrastructure safety. Passengers are strongly advised to:
- Check the latest updates from the South Western Railway or official railway apps before traveling.
- Consider alternative transport options, such as buses or private vehicles, for affected routes.
- Allow extra time for journeys due to potential delays or changes in boarding points.
While the disruptions may cause inconvenience, the girder work at level crossing No. 196 is part of ongoing efforts to enhance railway safety and efficiency in the region. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed and plan ahead to mitigate any disruptions to their schedules.
