The South Western Railway (SWR) on Sunday launched a new DEMU train service between Banaswadi and Whitefield.
It will arrive at Whitefield at 7.50 a.m. and reach Banaswadi at 8.30 a.m., with halts at Hoodi, Krishnarajapuram and Baiyappanahalli. In the evening, it will leave Banaswadi at 6.25 p.m. to reach Whitefield at 7.20 p.m.
The new train service, which has been criticised as a “pre-poll gimmick” will be available six days a week, expect on Sundays.
When SWR first announced the service last week, it was severely criticised as the timings do not cater to office-goers who need to reach Whitefield in the morning.
Commuters argued for a service in the reverse direction as well during peak hours and said that it should be extended till Yeshwanthpur.
However, the SWR officials maintain that it will see a lot of traction among commuters in the coming days.
Divisional Railway Manager R.S. Saxena said, “Just before Swarna Passenger arrives from Marikuppam, the platform at Whitefield is packed. Around 2,000 to 3,000 people get down at Whitefield from Swarna Passenger while almost 1,500 board it. The new train will help decongest the platform and address the rush. This train also halts at Baiyappanahlli where people can use the metro to reach other destinations in the city.”
On the demand to extend the train till Yesvantpur or other points, the official said the Yesvantpur station is choked as 100 trains operate from the point.
Member of Parliament, P.C. Mohan attacked the State government accusing it of not taking the suburban rail project seriously.
“They have put 19 conditions, they should have one more condition by saying that they do not want suburban project. Decongestion of traffic will happen only when there are multi-modes of transport.”