Draft:KSR Bengaluru-Kannur Express

The KSR Bengaluru-Kannur Express is an express train operated by the South Western Railway zone of Indian Railways. It connects the metropolitan city of Bengaluru in Karnataka with the coastal city of Kannur in Kerala via Mangaluru. The train operates daily and serves a number of important towns and cities along the route.

KSR Bengaluru-Kannur Express(via Mangaluru Central)

Overview
Service type	Express
First service	8 December 2007 (2007-12-08)
Current operator(s)	South Western Railway zone
Route
Termini	Yesvantpur Junction (YPR) Kannur (CAN)
Stops	16
Distance travelled	501 km (311 mi)
Service frequency	Daily
Train number(s)	16511/12
On-board services
Class(es)	AC 2 tier, AC 3 tier, Sleeper class, General Unreserved
Seating arrangements	No
Sleeping arrangements	Yes
Catering facilities	On-board catering E-catering
Observation facilities	ICF coach
Entertainment facilities	No
Baggage facilities	No
Technical
Rolling stock	2
Track gauge	1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in)
Electrification	Partial

History

The KSR Bengaluru-Kannur Express (then Train No. 16517/16518) has undergone several significant changes since its inception, reflecting the dynamic needs of passengers and the evolving priorities of Indian Railways.

Initial service

Initially, the train was introduced to operate between Bengaluru and Mangaluru, addressing the increasing demand for connectivity between these major cities in Karnataka. This service was pivotal in enhancing regional travel and facilitating economic and social interactions between the two cities.

Bifurcation and extension

In response to the growing need for better connectivity to coastal Karnataka and northern Kerala, the service was bifurcated, leading to the creation of two separate routes. One route extended to Karwar, and the other to Kannur. This strategic decision aimed to cater to the specific travel demands of passengers heading to these distinct destinations, thus optimizing service efficiency and reach.

Route changes via Kunigal

Initially, the train ran via Mysuru. However, to shorten travel times and better align with passenger travel patterns, the route was altered to run via Kunigal. This change provided a more direct connection and significantly benefited passengers travelling between Bengaluru and Mangaluru. The re-routing was a strategic move to enhance the train's operational efficiency and passenger convenience.

Independent operation and status

Following the introduction of the Panchaganga Express, the KSR Bengaluru-Kannur Express began operating as an independent daily service. This transition marked a significant development, making it the only daily train providing a direct connection between Bengaluru and Mangaluru. Its status as a unique daily service underscores its crucial role in maintaining regional connectivity and catering to the high demand for travel between these cities.

Opposition and legal challenges

The extension of the train's service from Mangaluru to Kannur faced significant opposition, particularly from stakeholders in Mangaluru who were concerned about the potential negative impacts on the existing service dynamics and local passenger convenience. This opposition culminated in a legal challenge that was brought before the Karnataka High Court. The court case highlighted the complexities and competing interests involved in railway route extensions and service modifications. The legal proceedings and public discourse around this issue underscore the contentious nature of route changes and their broader implications for regional connectivity.

Present-day service

Today,KSR Bengaluru-Kannur Express continues to be an essential link between Karnataka and Kerala, running daily and serving numerous key stations along its route, including Hassan Junction, Mangaluru Junction, and Mangaluru Central. The train plays a vital role in facilitating travel and economic activities between these regions, maintaining its relevance and importance in the Indian Railways network.

Service

The 16511/KSR Bengaluru–Kannur Express has an average speed of 38km/h and covers 501km in 13h 20m. The 16512/Kannur–KSR Bengaluru Express has an average speed of 37 km/h and covers 501 km in 13h 30m.

Route and halts

The Halts of this train are:

• KSR Bengaluru City Junction
• Yesvantpur Junction
• Kunigal
• Channarayapatna
• Hassan Junction
• Sakleshpur
• Subrahmanya Road
• Kabaka Puttur
• Bantwala (BC Road)
• Mangaluru Junction
• Mangaluru Central
• Kasaragod
• Kanhangad
• Nileshwar
• Payyanur
• Kannur

Coach composition

The coach composition of the KSR Bengaluru-Kannur Express (Train No. 16511/12) includes the following:

• 2 AC Two Tier Coaches (2A)
• 4 AC Three Tier Coaches (3A)
• 11 Sleeper Class Coaches (SL)
• 4 General Second Class Coaches (GS)
• 2 Luggage Cum Brake Vans (SLR)

Traction

The KSR Bengaluru-Kannur Express (Train No. 16511/12) uses a Krishnarajapuram Loco Shed based WDP-4D diesel locomotive from KSR Bengaluru to Mangaluru Central and a Arakkonam/Erode Electric Loco Shed based WAP-4 or WAP-7 electric locomotive from Mangaluru Central to Kannur.

Schedule

16515/16 – runs daily from both directions

Train number	Station code	Departure station	Departure time	Arrival station	Arrival time
16511	SBC	KSR Bengaluru	9:35PM	Kannur	10:55AM (next day)
16512	CAN	Kannur	5:05PM	KSR Bengaluru	6:35AM (next day)