Wodeyar Express Gets Ramanagaram Halt: V. Somanna Flags Off Train, Boost for Local Connectivity
Ramanagaram, May 5: In a significant boost to regional rail connectivity, Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti Shri V. Somanna on Tuesday flagged off the KSR Bengaluru–Mysuru Wodeyar Express (Train No. 12614) with a newly introduced stoppage at Ramanagaram Railway Station. The event was held at Ramanagaram station in the presence of public representatives and railway officials.
The introduction of this additional halt fulfils a long-pending demand of local residents, providing direct Superfast Express connectivity between Ramanagaram, Bengaluru, and Mysuru. Officials said the move is expected to significantly benefit students, traders, and daily commuters, while also strengthening economic and social linkages in the region.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister V. Somanna said the new stoppage would not only improve accessibility but also boost trade, tourism, and the local economy in Ramanagaram. “This is a long-awaited demand of the people, and it will enhance connectivity to both the state capital and Mysuru,” he said.
He also responded to a request from Ramanagara MLA Iqbal Hussain, who urged the provision of underpasses at 2–3 key locations in the town to ease public movement. The Minister assured that the proposal would be discussed with officials and taken forward at the earliest.
Bengaluru Rural MP Dr. C.N. Manjunath termed the move “historic,” noting that introducing a halt for a Superfast train on the busy Bengaluru–Mysuru corridor, which sees around 47 trains daily, was a major achievement.
In another key announcement, the Minister revealed that a new Vande Bharat Express between KSR Bengaluru and Mangaluru will be operational soon. He further stated that projects such as the quadrupling of the Bengaluru–Mysuru railway line and a new direct railway line between Bengaluru and Kolar are expected to materialise in the near future.
Highlighting the role of Indian Railways, Somanna said it continues to act as the lifeline of the nation, connecting cities, towns, and villages while driving socio-economic growth by transporting millions of passengers and large volumes of freight daily.
Train Timings at Ramanagaram:
- Train No. 12613 Mysuru–KSR Bengaluru Wodeyar Express will arrive at 12:41 PM and depart at 12:42 PM.
- Train No. 12614 KSR Bengaluru–Mysuru Wodeyar Express will arrive at 4:01 PM and depart at 4:02 PM.
Railway officials noted that the new halt will improve access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, while reducing travel time for residents of Ramanagaram and nearby areas.
The event was attended by Transport and Muzarai Minister Ramalinga Reddy, MP Dr. C.N. Manjunath, MLA Iqbal Hussain, City Municipal Council President K. Sheshadri, Deputy Commissioner Yeshvant B. Gurukar, and senior railway officials including Additional Divisional Railway Manager Praveen Kataraki.
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