Transport

Trains from Bangalore to Kerala in an Alternate Universe

A Shatabdi Express from Thiruvananthapuram to Bangalore? That will not happen in this Universe, where for various reasons known to everyone, the hallowed populace of Malluland has the distinction of being always ignored and at the receiving end of the stick of everything. But in terms of providing neglect to them, no institution comes close to the one that has devised the cheapest method of transportation mankind has ever evolved – The Indian Railways. At last count there are more than a million Malayalees stuck among others in the City of Traffic Jams (erstwhile known as the Garden City). Add another million of floating population+ transit+ visitors+ tourists+ pilgrims, we have around 1.5 – 2 million people traveling between the state and the city of Bangalore. And to cater to all of them, the railways run a mind-blowing number of totally 5 daily trains (7000 seats). Despite years of crying, complaining and protesting, nothing much has happened. Details of all existing trains from Bangalore to Kerala and back, here.

Of course, the railways here are also run the same way as everything else is “run” in this country. Due to the absence of trains, people have been forced to take overpriced buses for their travel needs and paying as much as Rs.10000 for a return trip for three people. Waiting lists for trains to Kerala during holidays and weekends are sometimes longer than the train itself, and bus operators will charge whatever they feel like charging. If you don’t want to suffer, you require lots of meticulous planning, sometimes months ahead, to get that elusive berth in that train or a seat in a overpriced bus. If you don’t, it is suffering all the way in the form of special buses and National Permit trucks. In case you have the physically weaker section of human beings to travel with you, God save you.

Alternate Universes

In Physics, there is this fantastic theory of Alternate Universes or Multiple Universes or Parallel Worlds or Alternative Timelines. Theoretically is a lot of heavy incomprehensible Math and Physics gobbledygook. But if you remove all that and use your imagination, it is one of the most awesome concepts science has come up with. And it is best understood when you are really high, which is when you will be in the best mood to understand complex Physics. It goes something like this: There exists an infinite number of Worlds (Universes) where something (a little bit or a lot) differs from the Universe you live in. So there exists a Universe where you didn’t get married, where the Bangalore Metro was completed on time, where Indian have a sense of humor, where you weren’t even born, where sky is pink in color and so on. This concept is explained in detail in Michael Crichton’s Epic work Timeline. Also this concept in some sense is used in the movie “Sliding Doors” (Remade in Tamil as “12B“). Alternate Universes exist not at specific locations, but as specific times with infinite permutations and combinations of what we experience. It is a powerful method of unleashing your imagination, especially while dreaming of a better world. In fact, I believe that dreams are visions of alternate Universes.

I know that Quantum Physics would not have to do anything with the Indian Railways, which with archaic service and technology, where a train running at over 120 kmph makes news, is the last place anyone would be looking for high tech stuff. I assure you, do not be alarmed, this is more about using your imagination than applying Physics for path breaking service improvement stuff of sending trains through wormholes back in time or to alternate timelines. All that I am doing is using my imagination abundantly to imagine an alternate Universe where everything is the same as it is in our Universe, except that Indian Railways there are the epitome of service, reliability, cleanliness, punctuality and the champions of passenger convenience in all its forms. The Railways always show an attitude of general apathy and wanton neglect towards the people of the “Karela” state, manifested by the general absence of trains and lines, provision of old, condemned, dirty, vermin-infested, leaking and rusted rolling stock, absolute refusal to keep to the time table by means of torturing with intentional delays and so on. It only makes sense to escape to an alternate reality where tings are rosier, because there in no hope of redemption in the one we live. Hence, here I present the state of passenger rail transport by Indian Railways in an alternate Universe!

South Kerala (Travancore – Kochi)

Kerala can be divided into North and South for ease of rail transport definitions with Shornur Junction being the dividing point. Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Kollam, Trivandrum etc come in the South and Kozhikode, Kannur, Malappuram dist and Kasargod to the North. Entry points for the South for trains from Bangalore is Palakkad. The sheer density of population notwithstanding, we have only 2 daily trains, one being a day time Intercity, and one daily time slot shared by 3 trains. Then there is a tri-weekly GR and two weekly trains, grossly inadequate. Click here to know in detail about all trains to and from Bangalore to Kerala (in our real-life Universe). Another post of mine.

Existing trains from Bangalore to Ernakulam and onward to Trivandrum

Trains from Ernakulam (including those originating from Trivandrum) to Bangalore (Return)

And here is the IMAGINARY timetable in the alternate Universe! What a dream! Awesome!!

In our Alternate Universe, there is a plethora of trains to chose from in forms of routes, timings etc. There are some other differences between out Universe and the alternate Universe, that is the entirety of Kerala railway line routes is doubled and electrified, including the Kottayam and Alappuzha lines and has four lines between Ernakulam and Shornur. Trivandrum Central has 10 platforms and has plenty of coaching facilities at Nemom.

So, behold, the details of all the imaginary trains running from Bangalore to the Southern half of Kerala (Travancore – Kochi)

(Disclaimer: all the trains shown below are figments of my imagination and DO NOT EXIST in reality – in our universe atleast – as described here. I will not be responsible if anyone tries to book tickets on these non-existent trains and get themselves fooled :))

Thiruvananthapuram – Bangalore – Thiruvananthapuram Shadabdi Express!

TVC dep 0815 ERS a/d 1205/1215 SBC arr 2145 (daily)

SBC dep 0615 ERS a/d 1545/1555 TVC arr 1945 (daily)

The day starts off with a cracker! The unimaginable, the unbelievable but not improbable. The Indian Railway’s finest covers the 830 km of the  Bangalore – Trivandrum route in 13 hours and 15 minutes! Yes, dreams do come true in alternate Universes! This is TVC division’s flagship and prestige train, the longest running and only Shadabdi in the country which does not return to home base the same day. The train is heavily subscribed to.

Halts: QLN, KTYM, ERS, TCR, PGT, CBE and KJM (via TPT – BWT).

Composition: 2 Executive AC CC, 8 AC CC and 2 Generator cars. It is hauled by a WAP-5, the only one in SR, designated only for this train.

Bangalore – Trivandrum Kochuveli – Bangalore Intercity Superfast Express

SBC dep 0800 ERN a/d 1830/1840 KCVL arr 2250 (daily)

KCVL dep 0445 ERN a/d 0900/0910 SBC arr 1930 (daily)

In our alternate universe, the day time Intercity runs till Trivandrum Kochuveli (via Kottayam) with a different timetable and route. Instead of via HSRA – DPJ – SA it runs via KJM – BWT – TPT – SA. It leaves SBC at 0800 hrs instead of at 0615 hrs and reaches ERN at 1830 and KCVL at 2245. In the return direction, it leaves KCVL 0445, reaching ERN at 0900 and SBC at 1950 as it does now. It also provides connectivity towards TVM in the evening after Venad and before it in the morning towards EKM. It also has more passenger friendly accomodation.

Halts: KJM, BWT, TPT, SA, ED, TUP, CBE, PGT, OTP, TCR, AWY, ERN, PVRD, KTYM, CGY, TRVL, CGNR, MVLK, KYJ, QLN

Composition: 02 AC CC, 02 AC 3 Tier Sleeper, 04 Sleeper coaches, 08 Reserved 2s, 05 Unreserved 2s, 01 Pantry and 02 SLR (24 coaches). This is the longest running inter-state Superfast Intercity in India.

Ernakulam – Yeshwantpur – Hyderabad Bi- Weekly Superfast Express

ERS dep 1145 YPR a/d 2220/2240 HYB arr 1025 (Mon, Wed)

HYB dep 2120 YPR a/d 0845/0900 ERS arr 2000 (Fri, Sun)

This train runs twice a week connecting three economic capitals of the south. The timings are ideal for people from all three places, it also takes two hours less than the Sabari Express which runs via Chittoor, to reach Hyderabad from Ernakulam.

Halts: SC, BMT, SEM, WADI, YG, RC, GTL, ATP, DMM, SSPN, HUP, YNK, YPR, BAND, KJM, BWT, KPN, TPT, SA, ED, TUP, CBE, PGT, OTP, TCR, AFK, AWY, ERS

Composition: 1 AC First Class/2 AC Combo, 2 AC 2 Tier, 3 AC 3 Tier, 10 Sleeper Coaches, 4 Unreserved 2S, 2 SLR

Mysore – Kochuveli – Mysore Tri-Weekly Superfast Express (via Bangalore, Alappuzha)

MYS dep 1315 SBC a/d 1525/1535 ERS a/d 0215/0220 KCVL arr 0630 (Sun, Tue, Thu)

KCVL dep 1300 ERS a/d 1715/1720 SBC a/d 0355/0405 MYS arr 0650 (Mon, Wed, Fri)

This train exists only in the alternate Universe. It runs on a shared time slot is utilized by three different trains from Mysore, Hubli and Shimoga on different days with the running timetable from Bangalore to KCVL remaining the same, effectively making it a daily train but different numbers and rakes but with the same composition. This runs on a highly effective time table providing connectivity to all parts of Karnataka and early morning connectivity to Trivandrum.

Halts on the shared portion: CLRM, HSRA, DPJ, SA, ED, TUP, CBE, PGT, OTP, TCR, AWY, (ERN, KTYM, TRVL, CGNR,) KYJ, QLN, VAK, KCVL. The stops on the extended portion for this train are S, MYA, CPT, KGI, SBC, BNCE (ERS, SRTL, ALLP, HAD)

Composition of all three trains: 2 AC 2 Tier, 2 AC 3 Tier, 10 Sleeper Coaches, 4 Unreserved 2S and 2 SLRs.

Hubli – Kochuveli – Hubli Bi-Weekly Superfast Express (via Bangalore, Kottayam)

UBL dep 0905 YPR a/d 1525/1535 ERS a/d 0215/0220 KCVL arr 0630 (Mon, Sat)

KCVL dep 1300 ERS a/d 1715/1720 YPR a/d 0355/00405 UBL arr 0950 (Sun, Sat)

This train runs in our Universe as a weekly express in this time slot that really does not benefit anyone. In the alternate Universe, it runs on two days, on the same time slot.

Halts on the extended portion: RNR, HRR, DVG, ASK, TTR, TK, YPR, BAND and bypasses SBC.

Shimoga Town – Kochuveli – Shimoga Town Bi-Weekly Superfast Express (via YPR, KTYM)

SMBT dep 1005 YPR a/d 1525/1535 ERN a/d 0215/0220 KCVL arr 0630 (Fri, Sat)

KCVL dep 1300 ERS a/d 1715/1720 YPR a/d 0355/0405 SMBT arr 0935 (Sun, Sat)

This is the third train that runs in the 1525 time slot. However, after demands from SMBT bound travelers, the Railways in the alternate Universe is planning to run this train via SBC, making a reversal necessary.

Halts on the extended portion: SMB, BDVT, TRK, ASK, TTR, TK, YPR, BAND and bypasses SBC.

Thiruvananthapuram – Yeshwantpur – Thiruvananthapuram Tri Weekly Express

TVC dep 1930 ERS a/d 0600/0610 YPR arr 1020 (daily)

YPR dep 1540 ERS a/d 1950/2000 SBC arr 0645 (daily)

This train runs with the same time table from SBC to TVC as it does in our Universe, but with an different TT from TVC to SBC as that time slot is occupied by the Ashtamudi Express in the alternate Universe. Except that, all the other conditions remain unchanged, and the train actually does not have much uptake, save for last minute and Tatkal bookings due to odd day departures. There are talks that this will be discontinued and replaced with a new daily train after its pairing train, the TVC – CSTM express is made daily.

Halts: BNC, BYPI, CLRM, HSRA, DPJ, SA, ED, TUP, CBE, PGT, OTP, TCR, IJK, AWY, ERS, SRTL, ALLP, HAD, KYJ, QLN, VAK, KCVL

Composition: 2 AC 2 Tier, 2 AC 3 Tier, 10 Sleeper Coaches, 4 Unreserved 2S and 2 SLRs.

Ernakulam – Bangalore -Ernakulam GardenCity SuperFast Express

SBC dep 1845 ERS arr 0445 (daily)

ERS dep 1950 SBC arr 0615 (daily)

In our screwed up Universe, there are two trains which run 3 days a week in the same time slot and timetable under two different numbers, with the Kochuveli tri-weekly express sharing the same time-slot one way, making it a ridiculous mess. In our alternate Universe, this is a daily train with a single number and is called the Garden City Superfast. It leaves one and a half hour later, and unlikely most other trains, is predominantly an AC train with 9 AC coaches. It also provides connection in the morning for people towards Kottayam and onwards through the Vanchinad Express which leaves ERS at 0500.

Halts: BNC, KJM, BWT, TPT, SA, ED, TUP, CBE, PGT, OTP, TCR, AWY

Composition: 1 AC 1st Class, 3 AC 2 Tier, 5 AC 3 Tier, 6 Sleeper Coaches, 2 Unreserved 2S, 2 SLR.

Trivandrum – Bangalore – Trivandrum Ashtamudi Express

SBC dep 2000 ERS a/d 0700/0710 TVC arr 1130 (Daily)

TVC dep 1630 ERS a/d 2035/2045 SBC arr 0745(daily)

This train is the 16315/16316 Kochuveli – Bangalore – Kochuveli Triweekly Express of our Universe. It goes till Trivandrum Central and runs daily via Alappuzha, the only daily train, being the twin of the Island Express.  Also, as the Railways in the alternate Universe take great care in providing convenience to passengers, it has 20 more stops in addition to the 8 it has in our Universe, and makes good time running.

Halts: VRK, QLN, KPY, KYJ, HAD, AMPA, ALLP, SRTL, TUVR, ERS, AWY, AFK, TCR, OTP, PGT, CBE, TUP, ED, SA, TPT, KPM, BWT, WFD, KJM, BNCE, BNC.

Composition: 1 AC First Class/AC 2 Tier combo, 1 AC 2 Tier, 3 AC 3 Tier, 10 Sleeper, 4 Unreserved 2S, 2 SLR.

Yeshwantpur – Kochuveli – Yeshwantpur Garib Rath Express

YPR dep 2100 ERN a/d 0750/0755 KCVL arr 1205 (except Wed)

KCVL dep 1730 ERN a/d 2130/2135 YPR arr 0815 (Except Thu)

Yes, the Side Middle Berths in the alternate Universe. You are paying 30% less the standard fare, so drop your high sense of entitlement. The train runs daily and keeps the same time table, almost, as the 12257/12258  in our universe. However, the route changes a bit. Instead of going through the rail-rail over bridge at  KR Puram, it takes the BYPL line after BAND, with a stop at Bayyappanahalli after which it takes a right to join the DPJ – SA line, same as the one in our Universe. It stops at HSRA too. Hence the horror of what is called a railway station at Banaswadi is minimized.

Halts: BAND, BYPI, HSRA, DPJ, SA, ED, PTJ, PGT, TCR, AWY, KTYM, CGNR, QLN, KCVL.

Composition: 14 GR AC 3 Tier, 2 Generator Cars

16525/16526 Kanniyakumari – Bangalore – Kanniyakumari ‘Island’ Express

SBC dep 2150 ERS a/d 1930/0940 TVC arr 1430 (daily)

TVC dep 1320 ERS a/d 1800/1810 SBC arr 0545 (daily)

The fail train is still the first choice for many for an overnight train to Kerala and back. The train runs faster than it does in our universe with a bit altered timetable, arrives one hour earlier in SBC than it does now, and does not stop at Puthukkad and Malur. It has a full 1st Class AC compartment and an additional AC 3 Tier Sleeper and Unreserved 2S compared to the one in our Universe, making it a full 24-coach train. It is still heavily booked throughout the year, the 1st class compartment even more so.

Composition: 1 AC First Class, 2 AC 2 Tier, 3 AC 3 Tier, 12 Sleeper, 4 Unreserved 2S, 2 SLR.

Yeshwantpur – Ernakulam – Yeshwantpur Weekend AC Duronto Express

YPR dep 2230 ERS arr 0825 (ex-Fri, Sun)

ERS dep 2230 YPR arr 0825 (ex-Sat, Mon)

This is a train that exists only in the alternate Universe. It runs only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from SBC and on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from ERS. It leaves at 2230 hrs from both ends and reaches at 0825 hrs on the other end. It has one AC 1st Class, two AC 2 Tier and six AC 3 Tier coaches. It runs via KJM – BWT – TPT – SA – PDR with a WAP-4 at the helm, with no intermediate commercial halts. It does have a technical halt at ED.

Halts: No Commercial Halts. (One technical halt at ED)

Composition: 1 AC First Class, 3 AC 2 Tier, 6 AC 3 Tier, 2 Generator Cars

Thiruvananthapuram – Bangalore – Thiruvananthapuram Travancore Superfast Express

SBC dep 1745 ERS a/d 0355/0405 TVC arr 0815 (daily)

TVC dep 1820 ERS a/d 2235/2245 SBC arr 0855 (daily)

This train was recently introduced in the alternate Universe. The daily train balances perfect timing and halts, and can be said to be the Bangalore bound version of the famous Trivandrum – Madras Mail. It is beneficial to the folks from Central Travancore, and has only 2 stops outside Kerala or Bangalore. It also provides late evening departure from Trivandrum.

Halts: QLN, KYJ, MVLK, CGNR, TRVL, CGY, KTYM, ERS, AWY, TCR, PGT, ED, SA, KJM, BNC

Composition: 1 AC 1st Class, 2 AC 2 Tier, 3 AC 3 Tier, 12 Sleeper Coaches, 2 Unreserved 2s, 2 SLR

The Timetable! A masterpiece of convenience!

Ta-daaa!!! So, in the alternate Universe we have the timetable for trains from Bangalore to South Kerala as given below!! Ain’t it awesome?? There are trains leaving at 0615, 0800, 09,00, 1535, 1745, 1845, 1930, 2000, 2100, 2150 and 2230, reaching Ernakulam at time ranges from 02:20 till 09:30, and Trivandrum from 06:30 till 14:20. On the return trip, you can leave Trivandrum any time from 04:45 early morning and13:00 in the afternoon to 18:20 in the evening and from Ernakulam at 09:10 in the morning till 22:45 in the night. You will arrive at Bangalore from 03:55 in the morning to 08:55 in the morning! And of course, there is the Shatabdi!  Never will people there beg and plead for ways to travel. You can spend your full time in office, or get out early. You can leave late in the evening after a couple of rounds at the local pub. You can reach Trivandrum early morning at 0630,which is a mirage as far as most Keralites in Bangalore are concerned. You can celebrate your honeymoon in an AC 1st Class coupe, or you can transport your pregnant wife or new born child without worries. The number of sleeper class berths is almost unlimited. Homesick fresh off the campus little ones can go see their Mommas every weekend if they want to.

 

Of course, the above is a dream, a traveler’s dream that will never come true.

Malabar Region (North Kerala)

The Malabar region is even more neglected than the Southern parts when it comes to railway connectivity with Bangalore, with only two trains running to Malabar, out of which one is also the only night train from Bangalore to Mangalore. but the Railways in our Universe barely notice, given the fact that a majority of people from Kerala in Bangalore hail from North Kerala, from the Malappuram, Kozhikode and Kannur districts. But in the alternate Universe, we have a plethora of trains running, with a section of the line, from Mangalore till Subhramanya road being double line, and again from Sakleshpur till Mysore and Bangalore.

Trains via Coimbatore – Shornur – Kannur

Bangalore – Kannur – Bangalore Intercity Superfast (via Hosur, Shornur)

SBC dep 0630 SRR a/d 1510/1520 CAN arr 1830 (daily)

CAN dep 0820 SRR a/d 1100/1110 SBC arr 2020 (daily)

This train does not exist in our Universe, another figment of imagination. The train runs via Hosur in the same time slot as the ERS Intercity does in our Universe. This also takes the load off the Mangala Express for local day time travelers.

Halts: BNC, CRLM, HSRA, DPJ, SA, ED, TUP, CBE, PGT, SRR, KTU, TIR, TA, FK, CLT, QLD, BDG, TLY, CAN.

Composition: 2 AC CC, 6 Reserved 2S, 6 Unreserved 2S and 2 SLR.

Yeshwantpur – Mangalore – Yeshwantpur Kolathunad Express (via Shornur)

YPR dep 1800 SRR a/d 0310/0315 CAN a/d 0620/0630 MAQ arr 1000 (daily)

MAQ dep 1445 CAN a/d 1745/1755 SRR a/d 2045/2055 YPR arr 0615 (daily)

Not existing in our Universe, this is the third daily train that runs Bangalore – Malabar via Shornur, this is an ordinary express that runs till Mangalore providing early morning conectivity to CLT onwards.

Halts: BAND, KJM, WFD, BWT, KPN, TPT, SA, ED, TUP, PTJ, PGT, SRR, TIR, CLT, QLD, BDJ, MAHE, TLY, CAN, VAPM, KPQ, PAZ, PAY, TKQ, CHV, NLE, KZE, BFR, KGQ

Composition: 1 AC 2 Tier, 3 AC 3 Tier, 10 Sleeper Coaches, 4 Unreserved 2S, 2 SLR.

Bangalore – Kannur – Bangalore Express (via Shornur)

SBC dep 2030 SRR a/d 0510/0515 CAN arr 0900 (daily)

CAN dep 1900 SRR a/d 2140/2145 YPR 0730 (daily)

This train runs more stops in the alternate Universe and starts from Bangalore as there are no trains that start from SBC and run via DPJ. Othewise, it runs the same run as it does in our Universe.

Halts: HBL, BAND, HSRA, DPJ, SA, ED, TUP, CBE, PGT, OTP, SRR, PTB, KTU, TIR, TA, PGI, VLI, FK, CLT, QLD, BDJ, MAHE, TLY. It runs via CBE instead of PTJ.

Composition: 1 AC 2 Tier, 3 AC 3 Tier, 11 Sleeper Coaches, 2 Unreserved 2S, 2 SLR.

Mangalore – Bangalore – Mangalore Southern Superfast Express  (via Shornur)

SBC dep 2130 SRR 0600/0610 MAQ 1105 (daily)

MAQ dep 1745 SRR 2255/2305 SBC 0805 (daily)

Not existing in our world, this train is what the Malabar region really needs and the railways in the alternate Universe has realized that, an additional superfast daily train, which feels so obvious. The train runs via Bangarapet – Shornur and

Halts: KJM, BWT, TPT, SA, ED, PGT, OTP, SRR, KTU, TIR, TA, PGI, CLT, BDJ, TLY, CAN, PAY, KZE, KGQ.

Composition: 1 AC 1st Class, 2 AC 2 Tier, 3 AC 3 Tier, 10 Sleeper Coaches and 4 Unreserved 2S and 2 SLR.

via Mysore/Arsikere, Mangalore, Kannur

Shornur – Yeshwantpur – Shornur Express (via Mangalore-Arsikere)

YPR dep 2100 MAJN a/d 0710/0720 SRR arr 1255 (daily)

SRR dep 1550 MAJN a/d 2220/2230 YPR arr 0920 (daily)

This train exists only in the alternate Universe. This train leaves YPR and goes through Arsikere and Hassan (bypassing Mysore) and saving 2 hours to reach Mangalore and then to Shornur, making it the only overnight train to start its journey from Shornur.

Halts: TK, TTR, ASK, SKLR, SBHR, KBPR, BNTL, MAJN, KGQ, KZE, NLE, PAY, PAZ, KPQ, CAN, TLY, MAHE, BDJ, QLD, CLT, PGI, TA, TIR, KTU

Composition: 2 AC 2 Tier, 2 AC 3 Tier, 11 Sleeper Coaches, 2 Unreserved 2S and 2 SLR

Kochuveli – Mysore – Kochuveli Weekly Express (via Mangalore, Kottayam)

KCVL dep 1600 MAQ a/d 0530/0545 MYS arr 1505 (Sun)

MYS dep 1330 MAQ a/d 2205/2220 KCVL arr 1140 (Mon)

This train runs once a week via Kottayam. This also provides early morning arrival at Mangalore from Trivandrum side and Late Night departure towards TVC. There are demands that this train be made daily, atleast on the TVC – MAQ section.

Halts: VAK, QLN, KAP, KYJ, CGNR, TRVL, KTYM, ERN, AWY, AFK, CKI, TCR, SRR, KTU, TIR, CLT, BDJ, TLY CAN, PAY, KGQ, MAQ, BNTL, KBPR, SKLR, HAS, KRNR

Composition: 1 AC 2 Tier, 2 AC 3 Tier, 1 FC, 10 Sleeper Coaches, 4 Unreserved 2S, 2 SLR

Mysore – Ernakulam – Mysore Daily Superfast Express (via Mangalore)

MYS dep 1915 MAJN a/d 0600/0610 ERS a 1455

ERS dep 1445 MAJN a/d 2320/2330 MYS a 0845

Halts: KRNR, HLN, HAS, SKLR, KBPR, BNTL, MAJN, KGQ, KZE, CHV, PAY, CAN, TLY, MAHE, BDJ, QLY, CLT, FK, TIR, SRR, TCR, AWY

Composition: 1 AC 1st Class, 2 AC 2 Tier, 2 AC 3 Tier, 12 Sleeper Coaches, 4 Unreserved 2S, 2 SLR

This train also exists only in the alternate Universe, catering to those from Mysore to Ernakulam daily. It provides daily connectivity on the Mysore – Malabar section in addition to the YPR – CAN express. There are talks that this train will be extended to Bangalore soon.

Yeshwantpur – Kannur – Yeshwantpur Shiradi Express (via MYS, Mangalore)

YPR dep 2030 MAQ a/d 0840/0900 CAN arr 1130 (daily)

CAN dep 1645 MAQ a/d 1915/1945 YPR arr 0740 (daily)

This train also runs in our Universe, as it does in the alternate Universe with the same timetable and composition. It will be extended to Kozhikode soon in the alternate Universe, and there it stops in much more places. It also starts at 20:30 but from YPR, arriving at SBC at 20:40 and proceeds via Mysore.

Composition: 1 AC 2 Tier, 3 AC 3 Tier, 10 Sleeper Coaches, 4 Unreserved 2S, 2 SLR.

Halts: SBC, KGI, MYA, MYS, KRNR, HLN, HAS, SKLR, KBPR, BNTL, MAJN, KGQ, KZE, NLE, CHV, PAY, PAZ, CAN, TLY, BDJ, QLY, CLT

In addition to this, catering to the coastal parts of Karnataka in the alternate Universe is a daily night train from Mangalore to Bangalore and back (the Kanara Express via Arsikere), the daily TuluNadu Superfast Express which runs Bangalore – Mangalore – Karwar, and the Chandragiri Express, a Tri – Weekly Bangalore – Mangalore – Madgaon night train. Running during the day time are the Bangalore – Mangalore – Karwar Jan Shadabdi and the daily Bangalore – Mangalore – Karwar Karavalli day Express. Hence, we have 4 trains from Bangalore to Malabar via Shornur, at 06:30 (CAN), 18:30 (MAQ), 20:30 (CAN) and 21:00 (MAQ). 2 Trains from Bangalore to Malabar via Mangalore at 20:30 (CAN) and at 21:00 (SRR), with 2 more starting from Mysore at 13:30 (TVC weekly) and 19:50 (ERS). The number of trains are lesser as people actually prefer buses since there are no direct rail lines yet.

So in the end, our imaginary timetable will look like this:

In our Universe, the railways do little planning with running trains at random from here to there running them weekly bi-weekly and so on with some having lots of un-necessary stops and others not stopping where they are necessary. Mostly these are run just for meeting the railways’ operational necessities like rake sharing and so on, as we are still running the railways as the bureaucratic behemoth the British intended it to be with little attention devoted to things like passenger convenience, speed, efficiency and scientific time schedules. As it is with everything else government in this country, railways are also run for the sake of it, to please those with money and power and not to serve the people or to alleviate their sufferings.

All this is fixed in the alternate Universe, which is blessed with a plethora of trains run efficiently and scientifically with optimum time schedules and halts, while everything else there remains very much the same as it is here. But you are free to fire up your imagination and conjure up more stuff that gives you atleast that fasle sense of hope. That is what I do. Whenever the going gets tough, I open up a wormhole and escape to an alternate Universe where things are much more greener than they are here. But I am forced to return to reality when it is again time to book tickets…

Note: None of this will ever become true in our Universe ever, where other things matter more than convenience. Privatization is not the answer, rather a dedicated and efficient management can do wonders.

PUBLIC SERVICE

Island Expresses Running Status: 16525 CAPE – SBC or 16526 SBC – CAPE

Trains from Bangalore to Ernakulam, Trivandrum, Kannur, Kottayam, Kollam, Alappuzha, Kayankulam, Palakkad, Thrissur/Shoranur, Kozhikode, Coimbatore, Nagercoil, Mangalore

PNR Status Check and What are the chances of your Waitlisted PNR getting Confirmed? HERE

Check Seat Availability (All Classes) and Fares for Island Express, Next 90 days. 16525 16526

Island Express Route Map, Island Express Route with stoppages for 16525, 16526

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Nikhil Narayanan

Vattayi, alle? :)

vadakkus

Athe athe. Out compleeeetely :D

Nauphal Pvt. Ltd. ®

Railway boardil edutho?

vadakkus

 Hahaha athu deserve cheyyan maathram nalla kaaryam onnum railway board cheythittilla!! Pakshe Director vallathum aakkiyaal, venamenkil… Buhaha

Anonymous

Name one of the trains as Vadakkus Express – It will have it’s engine in the end :)

vadakkus

Athu kollaaamallo idea!! Pakshe why engine at the back?

Anonymous

Ellam thala thiringittalle? Appo Engine in the back .. 

☮ As H wi N ☮

Ithu motham ezhuthi undakkiyathaaano? :-O Sherikkum piraaanthaaano? :-O

vadakkus

Yes yes. Motham research cheythu, mattulla trayinukalude timings okke nokki empty slots kandupidichu, distance anusarichum mattu trainukalude speed anusarichu timings calculate cheythu, pinne timings anusarichu stoppukal koduthu, balanced timings between departure and arrival timings and stations and so on, angane and all. :D Took me a couple of months tough. Buhahahahaaaaaaa

☮ As H wi N ☮

Sathyathil Enthaanu Kuzhappam? :-/

PS: Eee naadu nannavilla…verthe time waste cheyyanda

Nauphal Pvt. Ltd. ®

Empty slots kittiyittu karyamillallo.. Crew link, loco link, crew availability, loco availability, rake availability- okke nokkende? Vandi odathe kidakkunna cheriya gap il aanu OHE, P-Way, Signal okke periodic maintenance cheyyunathu.. athum pokum.. track utilization over anenkilum kuzhappamakum,,
Enthayalum research kurachu koodippoyi.. :D
Oru nivedanam aayittu railway boardinu ayachu kodukku.. Chilapo biriyani kittiyalo? biriyani kittiyillenkilum bus lobby vaka quotation enkilum kittum.. :D

Govinda

Vattenu paaryum ithinu :P

Uvs786 of railkerala group

Excellent. I would like to add another “Swathi” SF Express from TVC via ALLP-ERS-PGT-SBC to Hyderabad 

vadakkus

Swathi Express? Any particular reason for such a name?

Sushil

I found utopia…

vadakkus

 I have been living there for quite some time now :)

Tomzaqputhuchira, EKM

If we dont see these lets our grand children may be luckier

vadakkus

Or their children…

Prasanth Purushotham

super macha… i liked it ….

vadakkus

Thank you! 

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