Bengaluru - Hassan Line Progress.
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Here are some pics from my little trip to Nelamangala, I had last been there in 2013, just wanted to check out the progress to see if the Nelamangala- Shravanabelagola line would be commissioned by Dec 2016 (as stated in papers).
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1 ---- 16024 Malgudi Express with UBL WDG4D near MWM.
Pic 2 ---- 56579, the train I was travelling in, snaking into YPR with KJM WDG3A twins.
Pic 3 ---- SWR's Railbus at YPR.
Pic 4 ---- 17316 hastening towards YPR with ED WAP4, I couldn't click the loco in time. But it seems it gets E-loco from ED-YPR. This can be updated.
Pic 5 ---- The first change I noticed from last time in 2013 - instead of token system, signal is installed at the 3rd line at SDVL.
Pic 6, 7 ---- Signals at NMGA outer on either side.
Pic 8, 9, 10, 11, 16 ---- The rock cutting and levelling being done for Goods platform, which will come besides PF 2. After levelling, track laying hasn't been done, work has just stopped.
Pic 12 ---- Tiles laying at different rooms of the station, going on.
Pic 13, 14 ---- Train Boards. One of them of different train.
Pic 15 ---- Towards Hassan.
Pic 17 ---- Station Board.
Pic 18, 19 ---- Locos reversing.
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The following info I gathered :
1. The signalling and track switching (currently its being done manually) work will take atleast 3 months from the commencement date. But it has not started nor any info when it will start.
2. The rails between Kunigal and Hassan are going to be replaced by 60 Kgs rails, removing the current 52 Kgs rail. This is to make sure it bears Goods train load. But I couldn't understand this because, I have no knowledge of this issue. But that work too hasn't started. Nor any intimation when it will start.
3. The info has been passed that this line needs to be opened ASAP, but nothing concrete in terms of date.
4. At NMGA itself - repainting, new SBs, new toilets and PF flooring works are going to start, but no info when. Signalling and track switching will happen when they start the same at all stations.
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Conclusion: Dec 2016 nothing will start, hope for Dec 2017 maybe.
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Thanks.