HYDERABAD: Rail connectivity between Secunderabad and Mangaluru is poised for major improvement following Centre’s recent announcement of a multi-tracking project between Bellary and Chikjajur in Karnataka, facilitating both passenger and goods train operations by reducing travel time by around 10 hours.“As of now only one express train operates twice a week between Secunderabad and Mangaluru, which takes 27 hours. However, through Bellary and Chikjajur in Karnataka railways can operate direct trains to Mangaluru with journeys spanning 15-17 hours. Also, the single line between Bellary and Chikjajur earlier limited freight train operations,” said a senior railway official.The train to Mangaluru from twin cities currently goes via Kadapa, Renigunta, Salem, Coimbatore, Shornur, Kozhikode and Kasaragod before reaching the destination in 27 hours. However, under Bellary-Chikjajur, trains can be operated from Secunderabad via Bellary, Hospeta, Rayadurg, Chikjajur, Hassan to reach Mangaluru in less than 18 hours, officials said.The railways will now also be able to operate on two routes for freight and passenger services to Mangaluru from the city. The first route will connect Secunderabad via Wadi, Guntakal, Bellary and Mangaluru, while the second route will go via Mahabubnagar, Guntakal, Bellary, and Mangalore. The multi-tracking of Bellary and Chikjajur will also lead to improved freight movement to Mangaluru, which is one of the major industrial port destinations in the country. While Secunderabad has port connectivity to Krishnapatnam, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, and Chennai.
