Mysuru: The track doubling and electrification work on the Mysuru-Bengaluru track is complete and Shatabdi Express (Mysuru-Chennai) is the first planned locomotive to be run on electric traction in the last week of this month. Once the electric train is introduced, there will be considerable time saved on changing locomotives at Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna (KSR) Railway Station in Bengaluru. Speaking to Star of Mysore, SWR Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO), E. Vijaya, when asked how much time would be saved said, “Running time is dependent on number of factors and saving cannot be quantified now. However, time being used for changeover of engines from diesel to electric and vice versa in Bengaluru and fuelling of diesel engines at Mysuru will be avoided. Time saving is expected to be up to 7-8 minutes on this account. But minimum stoppage at these two said stations shall still continue.” The diesel locomotives will be replaced with electric ones in a phased manner depending on loco availability and incoming power availability at Yeliyur traction. “It depends on locomotives availability and it is expected that by 2018-19 only electric trains will ply in the section,” she said and added “three express trains and three passenger trains will run on electricity only by March 2018.”
