Major Rail Disruption on Bengaluru-Mysuru Corridor After Goods Train Derails
Hundreds of daily commuters traveling between Bengaluru and Mysuru faced severe disruption and were stranded for more than five hours on Tuesday evening after an empty goods train derailed near Bidadi. The incident, which occurred approximately 35 kilometers from Bengaluru in an industrial area, forced the cancellation of several train services, throwing travel plans into chaos for thousands who rely on this busy rail corridor.
Details of the Derailment Incident
The accident took place between Ramanagara and Bidadi stations around 5 PM when the newly modified empty goods train went off the tracks. Fortunately, no human casualties were reported in the derailment. However, the event brought all rail traffic on the crucial Bengaluru-Mysuru route to a complete halt, causing significant inconvenience to passengers.
According to officials from South Western Railway, normal train services were eventually restored by 10 PM after extensive efforts to clear the track. An inquiry has been initiated to determine the exact cause of the derailment, with authorities investigating potential factors such as track conditions or operational issues.
Impact on Passenger Services and Commuters
The disruption led to the cancellation of multiple passenger trains, including services numbered 06526, 66553, and 66580. Additionally, Train No. 06525, which operates between Bengaluru and Ashokapuram, was forced to terminate prematurely at Kengeri station. The KSR Bengaluru–Mysuru Express experienced a delay, departing at 7:25 PM, an hour behind its scheduled time.
Commuters traveling to towns along the Mysuru route, such as Channapatna, Maddur, and Mandya, were among the most affected. Hundreds gathered at bus stops near the Kengeri bus terminus, displaying confusion and anxiety as they scrambled to find alternative transportation options. The disruption particularly impacted office-goers and students, many of whom were returning home after work or exams and found themselves waiting on roadsides with limited bus services available toward Mysuru.
With few immediate alternatives, several commuters resorted to hitching rides on private vehicles to reach their destinations. The situation highlighted the heavy reliance on suburban rail services along the Bengaluru–Mysuru corridor and the vulnerability of this infrastructure to sudden disruptions.
Railway Response and Recovery Efforts
Railway authorities worked diligently to address the crisis, managing to clear the derailed train from the track by approximately 8:55 PM. In response to the disruption, tickets were refunded to passengers whose trains were short-terminated at Kengeri. To assist regular commuters traveling toward Mysuru, additional stops were added to the Chamundi Express service.
Despite these measures, the sudden and prolonged disruption underscored the critical importance of reliable rail transport in the region. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for robust infrastructure maintenance and contingency planning to minimize such occurrences in the future.
